:,-*\- 



-^- 










x^ "<<. I 






■y 


%r 


: 








^^. 



r>, /» 



■V^ .^ 



■s^ 



"/. V^' 












^. 



O' 

■x^- . 



.*. ^^ 









^^' w\^ 



-^■^^ 



<-Jy^ .V 












^^■^.^^,r 



^^^\cy^/ 



-^> ,V 



o> 






y:^ 



X 



.0^ 






00^ 






^#. 



, "^ 






..-N f.. 









.^N^ 



^^ 



^-v -^d 



■^^ ,^x^ 



.x^"'^-. 



.x^ 



."^-^^^ 



A-v- V. 



^^ '^^. 






. 'o 



~'".^c. 



xi>' »".^l^', ^<^., 



■■\* 



,/--^. 



TO 

ALL PAST AND PRESENT 

MEMBERS 

OF THB 

BmM\ icginunt iaij |0rli $Mt Mmltm, 

"WITH AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD, 
AND SINCERE GOOD WISHES FOR THE LIVING ; 

AND TO THB 

HON. AMAZIAH B. JAMES, 

TO WHOM INDEBTEDNESS IS THANKPTJLLT ACKNOWLEDGED 

FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ENROLLED WITH 

MY COMPANIONS IN THE MILITARY SERVICE 

OF THE UNITED STATES, 

Thes.e pages are gratefully inscribed 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



PEEFACE 



The following pages have been written chiefly from a de- 
sire to gratify the families and friends of those connected with 
the 60th Regiment, by placing before them a true account 
of the varied vicissitudes through which that command has 
passed. 

So much of the book as claims to be a statement of fact, 
may be relied upon as being strictly true. The opinions of 
men and of measures, expressed from time to time, are my 
own, and no one else should be held responsible for them. 
Although it is my belief that, in the main, they are also the 
opinions of a large majority of the regiment, and, in some 
cases, express a unanimous conviction, I wish it to be under- 
stood that, except where it may otherwise be positively stated, 
T do not offer them as the speculations of any one besides 
myself 

The events herein recorded, as transpiring prior to the 20th 
of February, 1863, are those which, for the most part, came 
under my own observation ; which fact, I beg the reader to 
bear in mind, as accounting for the egotism, which I kneW 
not how to avoid, in giving a narrative of personal expe- 
riences. 

I acknowledge obligations to many, for help in perfecting 
^^ (V) 



VI PREFACE. 

% 

the book, but hope that I may not be thought to underesti- 
mate the aid afforded by others, by here recording my especial 
gratitude to Quartermaster Merritt, and to Adjutant Willson. 

Associating, as I did for so many months, with those whose 
military career. I here attempt to record, — a period of time 
which, so varied were its vicissitudes, that I cannot recall it 
without the deepest and tenderest emotion, — I have, in making 
up these pages, cherished the hope that I might thus secure 
a more lasting remembrance in the hearts of those who have 
so nobly dared and suffered for our beloved country. 

RICHARD EDDY. 

Philadelphia, March, 1864. 



CONTENTS 



Dedication , 
Preface 



THE ORGANIZATION^. 

Governor Morgan calls the S3d N. Y. State Militia into ser\ice— Colonel Brundage 
lays out the work — Organization of the Companies — How Seniority of Ran t 
was Determined— Flag Presented to Company " A"— Chaplaincy— First Reli- 
gious Service — General ThorncUke's Request — Prayer Meetings — My Quarters 
—Flag Presented to Company " D"— Colonel Brundage goes to Albany— Certi- 
ficate sent— Captain Goodrich before the Board— The Officers Opposed to his 
Promotion over Brundage — Hon. W. A.Wheeler Presents the National Colois 
—Disposition of Time— Quarters and Rations— Arrival of Colonel Hayward— 
His Commission and Speech — The Grand Flourish — Interview with the Colo- 
nel — His Extravagant Speech — Vote on the Chaplaincy — Mustering in — Elet- 
tion in Company "A" — Presentation of the State Banner — Speeches on the 
Occasion — Change from Militia to Volunteers — Order under which the Regi- 
ment Organized— Names from the Descriptive Book— Strength of Regiment 
on leaving Camp Wheeler 1 

11. . 

GOING INTO SERVICE. 

My Determination— Hon. A. B. James' Letter Endorsed by Hons. C. G. Myers and 
W. H. Dart— Audience with Governor Morgan— The "Certificate Found— The 
Governor's Assurance — Transportation Furnished — Report to Colonel Hay- 
ward— His Embarrassment — His Interview with the Governor — The Regi- 
ment in New York — Flags Presented — The Colonel's Speech — The " Pious Re- 
giment " at Baltimore — The Regiment at Washington — Troubled Spirits — A 
Problem to be worked out., .' 41 

III. 

RAILROAD DUTY. 

Disposition of the Companies on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad — Colonel Rob- 
inson Acting-Brigadier — Importance of tlie Duty — The Vigilance Committee 
— Looking out a Camp in the Rain — The Colonel Informed of the Feeling 
against him — His Speech to the Men — The Problem unsolved — Camp 
Morgan — Mediation — Further Disposition of the Companies — Accident 
to McDonald — The Letter to the Colonel — His Communication — Death 
of H. W. Powers — Railroad Circular — Moving Camp — Camp Rathbone — 
Importance of Correct Spelling — Another Letter — The Visitors — Colonel 
Robinson's Advice — Colonel Hayward's Efforts to Please — Sad Afi'iur at 
Ellicott's Mills — Court of Inquiry — "Requisition on de Guard" — Postal 
Affairs in November — Trip to Washington — Letters by the bushel — First Vi- 
sit from the Paymaster — Money sent North— ^Moving Camp — The Location — 
False Tradition— 'Death of H.W. Dunn— Captain Redington in Arrest— Change 
in Position of Company " C " and " H "—Camp Fidgetty— Retaliatory Charges 

vii 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

Page. 

. — Sad Accident on the Railroad — A Bag of Good Things — SicknesB — The 
Measles^Regimental Hospital — Mrs. S. W. Kuster — Death of A. Geer, J. Ka- 
vanagh, S. P. Melvin, M. Stevens, H. Adrain, H. E. Meacham — Letters Mailed 
in December — Death of L. Duprey — Colonel Hay ward sends in his Resigna- 
tion^Singiilar Epidemic — First Snow — Deep Mud— The Barracks Attacked 
by the Wind — Tlie Moasles Decrease - Shocking Death of E. H. Porter — Colo- 
nel' Hay ward's Discharge — Unnecessary Humiliation — Petition for Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Goodrich's Promotion— Paymaster Elliott — Amount sent Home- 
Justice to Colonel Haywai'd t 46 

IV. 

■ t 
LIFK IN BARRACKS. 

Location, Form and Size of Barracks — Named Camp Preston King — Quarters of 
other Companies— Railroad Duty thought Degrading — Accident to J. L. For- ■ 
ward— Unexpected Arrival of Colonel Greene— His Antecedents— Impression 
— Colonel's first Work — Arms Inspected — Efforts to get the Regiment to- 
gether— Death of 0. C. Dunton— Gift of Testaments— Good Things from Home 
— The Mittens— Mrs. Emerson's Letter — Letters Mailed in January — Books 
and Tracts Received — Singing in Religious services — Sudden Death of Edmond 
Mason — Social Gathering at Camp Loane — Death of D. P. Whitman— 22d of 
February — Regimental Drill — Company " Q" — The Martyr to his Religion — 
Drumming Out of Camp — Letters Mailed in Feliruary — Rumors— The Move — 
Death of Lieutenant Eastman — Promotions — Colonel D. S. Miles our Briga- 
dier — Captain Jones Proposes to Capture the Merrimac — Board of Examiners 
for Crowley — His Removal — Promotion of Sergeant N. M. Dickenson — Head- 
quarters Moved to Camp Miles — Changes in Location of Companies — My 
Quarterly Report — Colonel Miles Opposes our Going to Washington- Letters 
Mailed in March — Thanksgiving — Court-Martial Proceedings — Escape of 
Davenport — Pay-day — Unfortunate Death of Wallace Smith — Lieutenant 
Gleason Returns with Recruits — Trip to Washington — Decision from Good 
Authority — Who shall be Major — Letters Mailed in April — Promotions— Pe- 
tition for Captain Redington to Resign — His Appeal — General Greene's Fare- 
well Order — The Officers' Letter — Major James Arrives — Important Tele- 
graph 73 

V. 

harper's ferry and bolitar. 

Six Companies Leave the Relay — Companies "B," "C," "G," and "T," Remain- 
Arrival at Sandy Hocik — Great Confusion — No Artillery — Batteries Arrive — 
Lieutenant-Colonel Hayward — General Saxton in Command — The Sixtieth the 
First to Reach the Sacred Soil — Harper's Ferry — Bolivar Heights — Line of 
Battle — Night Alarm — Colonel Ullman's Nervousness — The Reconnoissance — 
Coniiscated Hog — The Repulse — Brigadier-General Slough — He Takes our Ad- 
jutant — The NeV Line of Battle — Pickets Driven in — Change of Base — Th^ 
Baggage Covers the Retreat — Camp Hill— The Sharpshooters Draw the Reb- 
el's Fire — The Niglit Fight — Another Reconnoissance — Another Wet Night — 
Sunday Rest— Letters Mailed in May 101 

VI. 

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

General Sigel in Command — Marching Orders— The Guard Left Behind — "Get Ao- 
customed to it" — A Weary Niuht— Charlestown — John Brown's " Soul goes 
Marching on"— Bivouac at Smithfield — More Rain — Fainting— Clothing Ab.an- 
doned — Fording — Post of Honor— Winohester — The City Hall — Confiscations 
— Deaths — Provost Guard Duty— Living on the Country — Reception of General 
Banks' Troops— Serenade— Re^^ew— Religious Service— Leave of Absence— 
Major James' Letter to the War Department — Return — General Sigel's Deci- 
sion—The Band Dissatisfied— The Valley— Early Settlements— First Family 
Titles— Visit to General Greene-^ebel Officer AiTested at New Town— Camp 
Tait — Return of Company " H" — Mrs. Heater and her Accommodating Hus- 
band—General Slough's Parting Pi-omise to them—Foraging— Gleason and 



CONTENTS. IX 

Page. 
a she Rebel Comfort each other— The Amiable Daughter— Judgment Ren- 
dered—Secreted Guns— The Search— Trophjes brought in— Drills— The Color 
Guard on Night Duty— Artillery Reinforcements — William Moss, Jr^n Love 
— Advocates an Accommodating Marriage— New Use of " Ditto " — Vi 't to Mr. 
Stickles— The White Slave— A Scarred Back— The Agreement— Night Trip— 
The Joyful Return— Chaplain Cai-penter — Colonel Goodrich to go to Wash- 
ington—Resignation of Lieutenant Shedd — Lieutenant Greene Appointed and 
Assigned — Camp Goodi-ich — Further Symptoms of Mr. Moss' Love — Ilis Let- 
ter — Death of Jno. Kellison — Resignation of Lieutenant Spencer — Sickness 
Commences — Fainting on Parade— Typhus Fever — Sanitary Commission — 
Sharpshooters Organize — Lieutenant Clark Captures a Rebel Officer — General 
Pope in Command — Death of S. R. C. Thompson — Muster — Another Love-Let- 
ter — Lieutenant-Colonel starts Home — Experiences at Winchester — Leaves 
me at Baltimore 108 

VII. 

UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 

Citizens of Winchester Frightened — Ride with the Sutler — Regiment at Front 
Royal — Death of F. jrChamplain and H.B. Rowley — Halt at Washington 
Court House — March again, Colonel Tait in Command — General Cooper's 
Dutch Aid — Colonel Tait in Arrest— Ullman in Command — Cold Night — 
Camp near Warrenton — Luxuries— Death of A.Wells— The Fever Increasing — 
Dr.' Gale sick— Hard Shell Baptists — Their Opposition to Benevolent Institu- 
tions — Their Complacency — Change of Commanders — General Greene our 
Brigadier — General Augur's Special Interest in us — Lieutenant Dickinson's 
Adventure — The Sick sent to Warrenton — Marching Back — The Careless 
Clerk — Rain — Hedgeman River — A Wet Night at Gaines' Cross Roads — Search 
for Food— Beauties of Slavery— The Confederacy a Reaction Against Civiliza- 
tion — Southern Amalgamation — The Doings of the Elephant — Quarters in tho 
Church — More than usual Snoring in the Pews — Sickness Increased — Adju- 
tant' Gale's Report— March to Washington C. H. — A General Overhauling — 
Condition of our Baggage — The four Companies Rejoin us — Colonel James' 
Letter — Sixty-four cases of Fever— Death of A. Bi'omaghim, B. B". Brooks. C. 
Force and L. E. Comstock— Colonel Goodx-ich Reports the Regiment Not Fit 
for Duty— Paid off again 130 

VIII. 

SAD DAYS. 

Moving Camp— One hundred cases of Fever— Death of Job Bravton, V. Merihue 
and Lieutenant White— The Death Scene— Promotions of Lieutenant Fitch 
and Sergeant C. H. Dickenson— Captain Ransom taken Sick— The Review- 
Death of C. P. Chaffee and Albert Smithers— Two hundred cases of Fever — 
The Medical Director's Opinion— General Augur's Application— Our MecUcal 
Staff worn out— Assistants sent— Death of Corporal Harrington and L. Beyette 
—Burial of Ct. Sutler— Visit from General Pope's Medical Staff— Grand Parade 
and Drill— Our Numbers and Condition— Visit to General Pope— Death of J. 
Harmer, G. Annis, E. G. McGee, Lieutenants Hogan and Clark— The Funeral 
—Promotion of Lieutenant N. M. Dickinson, Sergeant Willson and Commis- 
sary Sej-geant Robertson— Resignation of Captaiio Day— Promotion of Lieu- 
tenants Snyder and Hurst, and Sergeant Houghton— The Medical Directors 
Decision — Death of James Handley and E.Finley — The well men leave for 
Warrenton Springs— Leave of Absence— Death of F. Miller— Other Burials— 
The Hot Day— SenfUng Off the Sick— I leave for Baltimore- A Restless Night • 
at Washington — Narrow Escape from Sunstroke— Return to Warrenton 
Springs I43 

IX. 

THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

The Springs formerly a Place of greaWlesort — Dearth of Local Histories in Vir- 
ginia—Governor Berkeley's Ambitton— No Chemical Analysis of the Water- 
Rev. Mr. Stringfellow's Enthusiasm — Original Sin — Theological Use of Sul- 
phur Water — The Spring tilled up — John H. Lee Buvs the Place— The Im- 
provemente — The Stock Company— Mr. Hudgins — Session of Legislature at 



CONTENTS. 

Page 
tlie Springs — Rebel Hospital — How we Appropriated the Room— Family 
Jars — Colonel M. Greene's Records — Rebel Book — Post Office — Lieuteii- 
sant-Colonel Brundage Returns— Death of J. F. Page,W. P. Ellis, G.W. Daggett, 
J. Cardif ell, L. J. Barton, G. R. Ries, and G. Sewell — Accident to Bordwell— 
New Cases of Fever — More than Four Hundred Sick — Major James — The Sur- 
geons—Death of S. Blaisdell — Dr. Gale Writes to the Medical Director— The 
Endorsements — Preparations for the Guerrillas — Death of E.L.Wright— Ar- 
rival of G^ieral Banks and Staff— The Troops Camp around us— Burial of the 
Massachusetts Yolunteer — Compelled to leave — Five Hundred and twenty- 
five Sick Men sent away — Their Tedious Ride— Destruction of Pi'operty — 
The Night March — Halt at Edwards' River — Our Disappointment — Line of 
Battle — Again in Brigade — Marching and Countermarching — Dr. Chambers 
and self go to Bealton— Dr. Burbeck— The Sick disposed of— Baggage Loaded 
— Search for the Regiment 154 



THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 

The Unsuccessful Search— The Regiment Found— Fight near the Springs— J. E. 
White wounded — The Excited Oificer — Wiard's Steel-rifled Battery — "VMiite's 
t)eath— Ti-ip to Warrenton— Nothing to Eat— Dr. Chambers again— The Dou- 
ble Breakfast —Waterloo — Cornish Finds the Rebels — Back to Bealton — 
'Fight at the Springs — Hiding in the Woods — Luminous Shoulder-straps — 
Warrenton Junction — Rebels Near — Cattlett's Station — Rear Guard — The 
Bridge Burned— The Leader of the Band must Die — Destruction of the Ti-ain- 
Long March to Get a Short Distance — Captain Elliott taken Prisoner — Man- 
assas Junction— Our Teams Unloaded—The Contents Destroyed— The Order 
to Destroy Property-^Its Value to us — The Night Picket— Fight near Centre- 
ville— A Severe Night— The Long March— Arlington Heights— Adjutant Gale 
Promoted — A Narrow Escape — Return of Lieutenant Spencer — His Second 
Resignation — Promotion of Sergeant Nolan — Tenallytown — Major James 
Promoted — Promotion of Captain Godard, Lieutenants Shipman, Rich and 
Sergeant Kelsey— Letters for the Absent — I go to Washington «. 163 

XL 

THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 

Hunting up the Sick— Attack of Fever— In Search of the Regiment — Seneca 
Mills — Dangerous Travelling Down the Canal —Frederick City — The Paroled 
Men — The Brigade Supply Train — South Mountain Battle-ground — The 
Wounded— The Reserves— A Long Search— Rebel Wounded — Find General 
Greene — General McClellan and Staff — The Wounded Man's Enthusiasm — 
Silencing the Rebel Guns — Rejoining the Regiment— Casualties — Lieutenant- 
Colonel Brundage's Report — Willson goes North with the Body of the Colonel 
—The Band have been Discharged — Strength of Regiment— Skirmishers only 
Engaged— The Wounded Rebel Damns the Enfield— The Dead on the Field- 
Posture of the Slain — The Flag of Truce Violated — Rebel Prisoners — Bio- 
graphical Sketch of Colonel Goodi-ich 172 

XII. 

RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

Marching Orders — Up Maryland Heights — Telegraphing — Rambles — Altitude of 
the Heights — We go down to Sandy Hook— The Brigade out to Religious Ser- 
vice — Forchng — The Cunning Mule — Loudon Heights — Expensive Living — 
Clearing the Timber — Visit from the President — Petitions for the Promotion 
of Lieutenant-Colonel Brundage and Captain Hyde — Moving Camp — Hospital 
at the Ferry — Increasing Sickness — Rumors of Railroad Dutv — The Jaundice 
—The Christening— Trial of Captain Hyde— The Defence— The Acquittal— 
Willson's Return and Promotion — Convalescents come in — Sergeant L. Clark 
Promoted — Major Godard's Return — My Mission to Baltimore — Lieutenant- 
Colonel Brundage's Protest and Request —Visit to Antietam — The Gi-ain 
Growing on the Battle-field — Fire on the Mountain — One Hundred Sick — 
The Unjust Order- Contradictory and Provoking Orders — Death of A.Wal- 
rath and Lieutenant Reynolds — Move to the Valley — Change in Brigade — 



CONTENTS. XI 

Paqk. 

General N. J. Jackson — Winter Quarters— Disappointment— Move to Bolivar 
Heights — General Greene and Dr. Gale Return — Lieutenant-Colonel Tenders 
his Resignation — Petitions for the Colonelcy — Interview with the Governor — 
General Greene's Letter — We Move to the Ferry — The Important Secret Ser- 
vice—Petition for Captain Hyde for Colonel — Headquarters on Shenandoah 
Street — Our new Cook — The Officers' Private Meeting — Its Interruption — 
Death of H. J. Smith— The Officers' Votes— Incomplete Pay-Rolls— Ordered to 
go to Washington — My Work there — Brundage goes Home — Promotions of 
Redingtoh, Young, Hobart, and Eastman — Unjust Appointment of Diven — 
Resignation of Lieutenant King — Major Godard Appointed Provost Marshal 
— Interview with General Jackson— His Meddlesome Interference — Moving 
Headquarters — Resignation of Lieutenants Gleason and C. H. Dickenson — 
— Strategy — Promotions of Sergeants Adams and Ingram — Major Godard Re- 
signs — Promotions of Captain Thomas and Quarter-Master Merritt — The Lat- 
ter Declines — Promotion of Sergeant Carter — Total Number of Cases of Ty- 
phus Fever 183 

* XIII. 

THE MAECH TO DUMFRIES. 

Marching Orders — Delay— I Stay Behind with the Quarter-Mast'er — Overtaking 
the Regiment — Fairfax — Poor Land — Fording theOccoquan — Rumors — Ford- 
ing the Neabsco— A Stormy Night— Bad Roads— Retm-ning— The Noon Re- 
paat — Snow-storm — Cold Nights— Merritt's Fii-e — A Permanent Halt 198 

XIV. 

CASIP COMFORT. 

Location of the Camp — How Redington became Lieutenant-Colonel —<^ Captain 
Hyde's Suggestion — General Geary's Christmas Order — Missing the Road — 
The Honest Man— The Reconnoissance — We Prepare for an Attack — Arrest 
of Rich as a Spy— The Troops Return— The Dead brought in— Winter Quar- 
ters — Trip to Baltimore — The Albany Paper— Wisdom of Jackson and iled- 
ington— The Officer's Consultation— Death of Perry Stacy— House Warming- 
Order to be in ReacUness — My Recommendation — It Avails Nothing — Dr. Gale 
Resigns —Marching Orders — They are Countermanded 202 

XV. 

GETTII^a OUT OP SERVICE. 

On the Move again— A Good Day's March— The North-East Storm— Deep Mud — 
Fording the Quantico — General Greene's Precaution against getting Wet — 
Mr. Dunnington's— Deeper Mud— A good Bed of Boughs — Slow Marching — 
Camp on the Pine Ridge— Camp Evergreen — Stafford Court House — Maple 
Syrup— Snow-Storms^-The Quarter-Master Detailed — Resignation of Captains 
"Hyde and Snyder, and Lieutenants Clark and Hurst — Paid Off— I Try to Get 
Away with the Money — The Lieutenant-Colonel Calls my Application Frivol- 
ous— I Apply to the General — Captain Ransom Resigns — Breaking Camp — 
Halt at Acquia Creek— The Old Oak— The Old Grave— Captain Montgomery 
Resigns — Building Fortifications — Leave of Absence — Lieutenant N. M. Dick- 
inson Resigns — Speech to Company "A" — Am Mustered Out — Receipts and 
Expenditures— Exorbitant Prices— Petition from the 10t>th N.Y .Volunteers... 207 

XVI. 

STATISTICAL. 

Dr. Gale's Opinion of Cause of Typhus Fever— Religious Services— Burial Grounds at 
Washington C. H. and Warrenton Spi'ingg — Deaths Not Mentioned elsewhere 
— Deserters — Dishonorably Discharged — Honorably Discharged — Officers 
Honorably Discharged— Sumnaary of Losses— Strength of Regiment Febru- 
ary 20th, 1863 215 



Xll CONTENTS. 

XYII. PAOB. 

CUAXCELLORSVILLE AJs^D GETTYSBURG. 

Sources of Information — Guard Duty — General Muster — Getting Ready to March 
— Off for the Fight — Entbusia.sm for " Fighting Joe " — Good Roads and Long 
Marclies — Fruitless Search— Surprise and Capture of the Engineers — Rainy 
Night — Skirmishing— Congratulatory Order — Muster — A Yankee Trick — En- 
trenchments — The 11th Corps break — Night Attack — Sunday Fight — The 
Lieutenant-Colonel Missing — Wounded Officers — "Cutting Off Supplies" — 
General Kane's Congratulations — Attack on the Train — Incidents of Bravery — 
Captains Carter and Robertson Resign — Death of Sergeant Hayward — Colonel 
Godai-d Arrives — Underhanded Measures of Redington— Off for Gettysburg — 
Severe March to Fairfax Court House — Godard takes Command — Deserters 
Shot at Leesburg — Ball's Bluff Visited — Crossing to Maryland — Drunkenness — 
General Meade — On Fi'ee Soil again— Cheers for Common Schools— The Trains 
Parked and Fight Begun — Captured Trophies — Strength of Regiment— Posi- 
tion of the Regiment — Night Attack — Pursuing the Enemy — Richardson, the 
Spy — Lee Escapes across the Potomac — Redington Resigns — Following up 
the Enemy — August Spent in Picket Duty — Hay Obtained — Narrow Escape 
of the Butchers — Condition of the Regiment — Charge Against Captain Jones 
— His Retort — The Prayer Meeting — Roll of Honor — Arrest of Captain Rob- 
ertson — Colors gent to Albany — Mistakes in the Record — Casualties at Chan- 
cellorsville and Gettysburg — Additional List of Resignations, Discharges, Ap- 
pointments and Promotions 236 

XVIII. 

GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

Moving to the Rapidan — False Alarm — The McClellan Memorial Rightly Dis- 
posed of — Marching Orders — Incidents gf the Trip through Ohio and Indiana 
— Arrival at Murfreesboro'— Preparing to Winter there— Going to Bridgeport 
— Crossing the Tennessee— The Rebels ThroAV Away their Stolen Garments — 
The Night Attack at Wauhatchie — Holding the Gap and Making Raids — 
Mustering foe Pay — Extract from General Hooker's Report 281 

XIX. 

THE IMPORTANT TICTORIES. 

Moving to Lookout Valley — Rebel Desertions — Wliat the Rebels are Fighting for — 
The Contraband Guarding his Master — Number of Rebel Deserters — Congra- 
tulatory Order — Preparations to Attack Lookout Mountain — The Troops De- 
termined — The Battle — The 60th in Advance of all others — The Captured 
Flag — Major Thomas Wounded — The Color Sergeant twice hit — Coolness and 
Bravery of Sergeant Buck — The Relief— The Old Flag floating from the top 
of Lookout — Rebel Rations Left Behind — Casualties — Occupation of Rebel 
Tents on Missionary Ridge — Hardee's Lamentations — The March to Ringgold 
— The 3d Brigade Ordered in — Captain Greene Wounded — Miller's Good Shots 
■ — Retreat of the Rebtls — Narrow Escape of Colonel Godard — List of Casualties 
— Incidents in the Death of Sergeant Fitch, as given in his brother's letter — ' 
Return to Camp — How General Grant Answered Bragg— General Geary's Con- 
gratulatory Order— President's Proclamation — Thanksgiving Hymn — Presi- 
dent's Letter to General Grant— General Grant's Congratulatory Order — Pre- 
eentation of Captured Flags — The Flags sent to Washington— A Staff Officer's 
Account of the Victories — Historic Significance of the Battle-ground — Wliat 
to do with Lookout Mountain..., 298 

XX. 

THE VETERANS. 

Inditcements for Re-enlisting — The Regiment becomes Veterans— Ordered Home 
—Complimentary Notice — Paid Off at Louisville— The Trip Home — Accident 
near Antwerp — Arrival at Ogdensbur'gh— Public Reception— My Trip to St. 
Lawrence County— Funeral Services for Sergeant James C. Fitch — Results of 
the War — Confessions of the Richmond Whig — A new Historical Picture — 
Address of the Rebel Soldiers — Our Gains and Success — Honor the President 
— General Grant on Slavery— What Final Victory will bring us 341 



HISTORY 

OF THE 

SIXTIETH REGIMENT 
NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS. 



I. 

THE ORGANIZATION. . 

On the i3tli of July, 1861, His Excellency, Edwin D. Mor- 
gan, Governor of the State of New York, and Commande'r- 
in-Chief of the Military and Naval Forces of the same, issued 
an order to Colonel Charles R. Brundage, commanding the 
Thirty-Third Regiment N. Y. S. M., to rendezvous his regi- 
ment at Ogdensburg^. 

In obedience to the order, the Colonel took all necessary 
steps, among other things issuing the following : 

Wanted for the Thirty-Third Regiment New York State Mili- 
tia, able-bodied men, between the ages of 18 and 45 years. A 
minor will not be enlisted without the written consent of his 
parent or guardian. The term of service is three years. The 
following is the rate of pay now established : 

Gr\de ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ 

Month. Year. Years. 

To a Serg't Major, Quartermaster Sergeant, 

principal Musician and Chief Bugler, each, $23 $276 ^828 

rirst Sergeant of a company 22 264 792 

All other Sergeants, each 19 228 684 

Corporals 15 180 540 

Buglers 15 180 540 

Musicians t 14 168 504 

Privates 13 156 468 

1 (1) 



2 THE ORGANIZATION. 

In addition to the pay as above stated, one ration per day, and 
an abundant supply of good clothing is allowed to every soldier. 
Quarters, fuel, and medical attendance are alvrays provided by 
the Government without deduction from the soldier's pay. If a 
soldier should become disabled in the line of his duties, the laws 
provide for him a pension ; or he may, if he prefer it, obtain 
admission into the Soldiers' Home, which will afford him a com- 
fortable home as long as he may wish to receive its benefits. 

THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

Col. Charles R. Brundage, Commanding, 
Lieut. Col. Chauncey M. Clark. Major J. W. Smith. 

The following officers and persons have been appointed to re- 
cruit the Thirty-Third Eegiment: 

Flank Co. R, 1st Lieut. Thomas Elliott,^ Ogdensburgh ; Co. B, 
J. C. 0. Redington, Ogdensburgh; Co. C, 2d Lieut. Mahlon 
Bromigham, Lisbon Centre; Co. J), Capt. Hugh Smith, Madrid; 
Co. E, William B. Goodrich, Canton; Co. F, P. S. Sinclair, 
King's Hall, Malone ; Co. G, Capt. Henry C. Eastman, Stock- 
holm ; Co. H, Capt. David Day, 2d, Macomb ; Co. I, Capt. Si- 
meon Wells, East Pitcairn ; Flank Co. L, 1st Lieut. James M. 
King, South Canton. 

J. M. Ransom, of Champlain, has been legally appointed by 
Col. Brundage to recruit a Company for this Regiment. 

This Regiment is now accepted by the Governor, and will be 
rendezvoused at Ogdensburgh, where it will be subsisted from 
the time they are received at said rendezvous, or until mustered 
into the service of the United States. Steady, active, sober and 
healthy men, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, who wish 
to join a first-class regiment composed of the sturdy sons of St. 
Lawrence and Franklin counties, commanded by competent offi- 
cers, and who wish to be. provided with good quarters, good pay 
and good rations, will lose no time in reporting themselves at 
any of the above-named company headquarters, or at the rendez- 
vous at Ogdensburgh. 

A few non-commissioned officers and musicians wanted. An 
excellent and abundant raiion is supplied daily to each man. 
Every Volunteer will be paid at the rate of fifty cents, in lieu 



THE ORGANIZATION. 3 

of forage, for every twenty miles of travel from his home to the 
place of muster; and when discharged, at the same rate from 
the place of his discharge to his home ; and in addition thereto, 
the sum of one hundred dollars, and probably at the next session 
of Congress, in addition thereto, a law will be passed granting 
them a bounty of IGO acres of land. In case of death, this will 
be received by their relatives. 

I God Save the Union ! 

I 

i FRANCIS E. PARKER, Adjutant. 

This was promptly responded to, and the regiment was filled 
up as follows : 

William B. Goodrich, William Montgomery, and Benjamin 
R. Clark, Captain of Company L, Thirty-Third N. Y. Militia, 
enlisted men in Canton, Hermon, Potsdam, Russ.ell, Madrid, 
Colton, Parishville, and Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county. 
They went to Camp Wheeler, September 10, 105 in number; 
but after medical examination, four were rejected, leaving 101, 
who organized by electing William B. Goodrich, Captain; 
Benjamin R. Clark, First Lieutenant; Williafn Montgomery, 
Second Lieutenant. Being the first company to organize, 
they obtained the right of the line, and were designated 
Company " A." 

Captain David Day, 2d, and First Lieutenant John Sny- 
der, both of Company H, Thirty-Third N. Y. Militia, en- 
listed men in Macomb, Gouverneur, and Depeyster, St. Law- 
rence county, and went to Camp Wheeler with forty men, 
September 9th. They organized by electing David Day, 2d 
Captain, John Snyder, First Lieutenant, James Hurst, Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, and took the left of the line, being called 
Company " B.'' 

John C. 0. Redington, a private in the Eighteenth N. Y. S. 
Volunteers, Thomas Hobart, a private in Seventh Mass. Vol- 
unteers, John E. Wilson and Nehemiah Wiley, enlisted men 
in Hammond, Morristown, Oswegatchie, Edwards, Rossie, 



4 THE ORGANIZATION. 

Kussell and Fowler, St. Lawrence county, and went to Camp 
Wheeler, September 12tli, with 32 men. John C. 0. Red- 
ington was elected Captain, James Young, First Lieutenant, 
Thomas Hobart, Second Lieutenant. They became the right 
centre company, or fifth in line, and were called Company 
<^C." 

Second Lieutenant James M. King, of Company " K," 
Thirty-Third N. Y^ Militia, Winslow M. Thomas, and George 
M. Grleason enlisted men in Kussell, Edwards, Pierpoint and 
Canton, St, Lawrence county, and went to Camp Wheeler 
September 11th with 53 men. They elected Winslow M. 
Thomas, Captain, James M. King, First Lieutenant, George 
M. Gleason, Second Lieutenant, and took position as third 
company from the right, and the name of Company " D." 

William H. Hyde, P. Shelly Sinclair, and George G. Cor- 
nish enlisted men in Malone, Bangor, and Brandon, Franklin 
county, and went to Camp Wheeler September lOtli with 51 
men. William H. Hyde was elected Captain, P. Shelly Sin- 
clair, First Lieutenant, and Hosea C. Reynolds, Second Lieu- 
tenant. They^ook position as seventh company from the 
right, and were called Company " ^." 

Thomas Elliott, a private in the Seventh N. Y. Militia, 
which regiment had been in service thirty days in defence 
of Washington, by special order of the President, enlisted 
men in Heuvelton, Hermon, De Kalb and Lisbon, St. Law- 
rence county, and went to Camp Wheeler September 10th 
with 54 men. Thomas Elliott was elected Captain, John De- 
lany, First Lieutenant, Milton F. Spencer, Second Lieutenant. 
They took position immediately to the left of the right com- 
pany, and were designated as Company "F,'^ 

Captain Hugh Smith, of Company " D,'^ Thirty-Third N. Y. 
Militia, enlisted men in Madrid, Waddington, Louisville, Mas- 
sena and Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, and went to Camp 
Wheeler September 11th with 27 men. Hugh Smith was 
elected Captain, Orson M. Foot, First Lieutenant, John Dun- 



THE ORGANIZATION. 5 

don', Jr., Second Lieutenant. They took position on the right 
of the left company, and were called Company " G." 

James M. Ransom, Loring E. White, and Marcellus L. 
Fitch enlisted men in Champlain, Mooers, Ellenburgh, Altona, 
Chazy and Saranac, Clinton county, and Lisbon, St. Lawrence 
! county, and went to Camp Wheeler, September 20th, with 45 
Imen. James M. Ransom was elected Captain, Loring E. White, 
jFirst Lieutenant, and Marcellus L. Fitch, Second Lieutenant. 
They took .position as the left centre company, or sixth in line, 
and were named Company " H." 

Rev. Jesse H. Jones and Guy Hogan enlisted men in Law- 
rence, Stockholm and Brasher, St. Lawrence county, and in 
Dickinson, Franklin county, and went to Camp Wheeler Sep- 
tember 24th, with 55 men. Jesse H. Jones was elected Cap= 
tain, Guy Hogan, First Lieutenant, Lyman M. Shedd, Second 
Lieutenant. The position of the company was fourth in line, 
immediately to the right of the right centre company, and it 
was designated Company " I." 

Abel Godard and Captain Henry C. Eastman, of Company 
'' C," Thirty-Fourth N. Y. Militia, enlisted men in Stockholm 
and Richville, St. Lawrence county, and went to Camp Wheeler 
September 14th, with 42 men. Abel Godard was elected 
Captain, Henry C. Eastman, First Lieutenant, Abner B. Ship- 
man, Second Lieutenant. They were the eighth company in 
line, and occupied position as the centre of the left wing, and 
were called Company " K.'' 

Seniority of rank among the line officers was not deter- 
mined by their position in the line, but by the; date of their 
election, and was at first readily ascertained by reference to 
the letter which designated their company. Subsequently, 
as a change in the commanding officer of any one company 
made -it junior to all the others — although it still retained 
the letter at first given it — it became necessary to refer to 
the date of rank as given in the commissions. 

Captains Redington, Thomas, Hyde and Elliott were all 
1* 



6 THE ORGANIZATION. 

elected September loth^ and agreed to decide their rank by 
lot. By mere luck, Capt. Redington became the senior. 

Several of the companies had national flags presented to 
them. I am only conversant with the circumstances attend- 
ant on the presentation of two. The citizens of Canton gave 
one to Company "A^^ on the morning of their going into camp; 
Prof Massena Goodrich, of the Theological School, spoke 
foi* the donors, and Capt. Wm. B. Goodrich, responded for 
the company. Since his death, the words uttered by him on 
that occasion have a peculiar significance. The presentation 
was made in front of his law office ; and his unpremeditated 
remarks were, as noted down at the time by Col. Henry Bar- 
ber, in substance, as follows : 

My social position and pecuniary circumstances are such that 
I could stay at home and enjoy the society of my family, who are 
dearer than life to me, as well as most people can. I have not 
taken this step rashly ; I have not been influenced by any sud- 
den excitement. I have thoroughly considered the whole matter, 
and have come to the conclusion that it is a duty I owe ray coun- 
try, to surrender up my life, if need be, in her defence. 

As I said in the beginning, I cannot make a speech now ; but 
if God spares my life to return and meet you again, I will then 
make a speech. But one thing, fellow-citizens, you may rest 
assured of — I shall never disgrace that beautiful flag you have just 
presented me. I shall stand by it, and defend it to the last; and 
if I fall, you may depend upon it, it will be at the post of duty.* 

Before any company had been organized, I opened a corre- 
spondence with Col. Brundage with reference to the Chaplaincy. 
He expressed his pleasure at my desire to obtain the place, 
and promised to do all in his power to bring it about. On 

* This flag was left at Harper's Ferry, Va., in June, 1862, and 
r3mained there till the following September, when the rebels 
permitted it to be used to cover the body of Col. Miles, over which 
it lay during the transit of the body to Baltimore, and until the 
burial. It is now with the company. 



THE ORGANIZATION. . 7 

the 17th of September he wrote me that the companies were 
nearly all in, and that it was desirable that I should commence 
services at once. Subsequently, I received a certificate from 
him of the same date, to the effect that eight of the nine* 
captains then on duty had approved of my appointment. 

On the 22d, I reported for duty, and at 4 p.m., held my 
first religious service with the Regiment; at the close of which 
I gave notice, by request of Brig. Gen. S. C. F. Thorndike, 
who had command of the camp, as a " Branch of the Albany 
Depot of Volunteers," of a service to be held on Fast-day, the 
following Thursday. On the day and hour appointed the ser- 
vice was held, and was largely attended, not only by the troops, 
but also by large numbers of citizens of Ogdensburgh. 

Public religious service was held once on each of the five 
following Sundays, and with as great regularity thereafter as 
circumstances would allow. f 

Some of the men held prayer-meetings every evening during 
our stay at Camp Wheeler; at first in the loft of the building 
occupied as a dining-hall and officers' drill-room, but subse- 
quently in a shed adjoining the guard-house. These meetings 
I attended occasionally; but, feeling that my presence embar- 
rassed others instead of helping them, I kept aloof, and gen- 
erally spent my evenings with the officers, who were instructed 
. in the Manual of ArmS by Col. Brundage. 

Dr. Chambers and myself were quartered together in the 
building occupied as a hospital. We had many merry times 
and were generally very happy. We were careful to attend, 
as far as possible, to "all the minutiae of military life, and — 
as Hospital-Steward Cornish, who alone was in our company, 
can testify — gave particular attention to roll-call ! 

Some time early in October, large numbers of the citizens 

* C'apt. Redington was the ninth. Sis objection was based 
wholly on his conscientious opposition to my theological tenets, 
t For a more full account of these services, see Chapter XVI. 



8 THE ORGANIZATION. 

of Canton and Russell came to camp and held a pic-nic with 
Company ^* D." In behalf of the visitors, I presented a flag 
to the company, which was received by Captain Thomas in a 
very appropriate speech. 

At about the same time Col. Brundage went to A4bany, 
and, after an audience with the Examining Committee, re- 
turned to camp, assured of the position of Major when the or- 
ganization was completed. Not knowing what furtlier changes 
might be made, and having fully completed all my arrange- 
ments to go with the regiment, I deemed it prudent to have 
as many evidences of my appointment as possible on file at 
Albany ; and therefore sent by Judge James, who was going 
to the Governor on other business, the certificate of appoint- 
ment which I had received from Col. Brundage. 

On the 19th, Capt. Goodrich having gone to Albany to 
appear before the Board of Examiners, a strong feeling was 
manifest in camp against his being promoted over Col. Brund- 
age, and I wrote him a plain statement of the facts. He re- 
turned, however, on the 23d, assured of the position of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, and took command at once of the troops. Sub- 
sequently he had an interview with the line officers, and it 
was understood that they were satisfied in regard to the 
matter. 

On the afternoon of the 24th, Hon. William A. Wheeler, 
for whom the camp had been named, brought up and pre- 
sented to the regiment a national flag, made after the pattern 
prescribed in the Army Regulations. The regiment was pa- 
raded to receive it, and a large concourse of citizens from St. 
Lawrence and the adjoining counties was present to witness 
the ceremony. Mr. Wheeler, in an address in which he gave 
an historical sketch of the past triumphs of the American Flag, 
and a patriotic description of its significance, value and pres- 
ent danger, put it into the hands of Lieut.-Col. Goodrich, ex- 
pressing his confident belief that the regiment would guard, 
protect and honor it. The Lieutenant-Colonel, in receiving 



THE ORaANIZATION. 9 

the gift^ spoke for the regiment in an assurance of their con- 
sciousness of the worth of the flag, the greatness of the prin- 
ciples it represented, and the fidelity and patriotic love with 
which it should be kept and guarded.* 

The whole affair was a very pleasant one, and passed off 
greatly to the satisfaction of all present. 

During our stay at Camp Wheeler all were kept busy. Re- 
veille was beaten just before sunrise, immediately followed by 
roll-call. Breakfast was had at 7 o'clock ; squad drills, under 
charge of the non-commissioned officers, from 8 to 10 o'clock ; 
non-commissioned officers' drill, by the adjutant, from 11 to 
12 ; dinner at 1 ; company drill, by thQ commissioned officers, 
from 2 to 3^; dress parade at 4; supper at 6. Retreat was 
beaten at sunset, followed by roll-call; tattoo at 8i, followed 
by the final roll-call, after which none were allowed to be out 
of quarters ; and at nine, taps were sounded as the signal to 
put out lights and go to bed. As previously stated, the com- 
missioned officers were instructed in the evening by Col. Brun- 
dage. 

The quarters at Camp Wheeler were comfortably arranged 
in large buildings, formerly used by the Northern Railroad 
Company as workshops for the manufacture and repair of the 
rolling-stock of their road. There were six or eight of these 
buildings. As many as were needed were used for quarters, 
and the balance were disposed of according to convenience. 
The centre building was a cook-room and dining-hall. Gen. 
Schuyler F. Judd and Mr. J. B. Armstrong supplied the 
table. Some of the men, especially those of the lower class, 
who probably never had fared half so well before, grumbled 
over , and found fault with their food, and during the last night 
at camp, perpetrated outrages and folly on the property of the 

* At Antietam this flag was badly damaged by rebel shot. 
Subsequent exposures further tended to its destruction ; and 
while we were encamped near Fairfax Station, Va., in January, 
1863, it accidentally took fire, and was rendered worthless. 



10 THE ORGANIZATION. 

contractors. They were not long away from the place, how- 
ever, before they saw, by contrast, how much they had lost 
in being deprived of the well-cooked and wholesome food fur- 
nished at Camp Wheeler, and how blind and ungrateful they 
had been in their complaints. 

On Tuesday, October 29th, Col. William B. Hayward re- 
ported at camp as our commander. Gen. Thorndike ordered 
the regiment paraded for his reception, and introduced him 
by reading a commission, as follows : 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, 

By the Grace of God, Free and Independent, 

To William B. Hayward, Greeting: 

We, reposing especial trust and confidence, as well in your 
patriotism, conduct and loyalty, as in your integrity and readi- 
ness to do us good and faithful service, have appointed and con- 
stituted, and by these presents do appoint and constitute, you, 
the said William B. Hayward, Colonel of the Sixtieth Regiment 
N. Y. S. Volunteers, with rank from October 25th, 1861. You 
are therefore to observe and follow such orders and instructions 
as you shall, from time to time, receive from our Commander-in- 
Chief of the Military Forces of our said State, or any other your 
superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, and 
hold the said office in the manner specified in and by the Con- 
stitution and Laws of our said State and of the United States, in 
pursuance of the trust reposed in you ; and for so doing, this 
shall be your commission. 

In testimony whereof, we have caused our seal for military 
commissions to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Edwin D. Morgan, 
Governor of our said State, Commander-in-Chief of the Military 
and Naval Forces of the same, at our City of Albany, the twenty- 
fifth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. 



Seal. 



Passed the Adjutant-General's Office. 
Thomas Hillhouse, 

Adj utant-General. 

E. D. MORGAN. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 11 

The Colonel made a speech, wliich left a very favorable 
impression on nearly all whom he addressed. An original 
manoeuvre, however, which he executed with his sword, at 
the close of his remarks, was very ludicrous. Subsequently, 
many tried to imitate it; but D. M. Eobertson alone became an 
expert, especially in that part where the coat-tails described 
the line of beauty ! 

In company with Major Brundage, I ha"d an interview with 
the Colonel on the subject of the Chaplaincy, informing him 
of the circumstances under which I came there, the docu- 
ments at Albany, and the assurances of the Grovernor that 
they were sufficient, and that I should receive the appoint- 
ment. He replied that he would give the case a fair and 
serious consideration. I left him in conversation with the 
Major, who soon after informed me that the Colonel told him 
that he had a friend in New York who must have the Chap- 
laincy. At my suggestion, the Major canvassed the subject 
among the officers, and reported that a majority would vote 
for me. 

The next day the Colonel called the company commanders 
together, and, as subsequently reported to me by several who 
were present, addressed them, in substance, as follows : 

I have called you to consider the very important matter of 
electing a Chaplain. I have a very dear friend in New York, 
whom I desire to see in that place. He is a man of great expe- 
rience and ability, having been for several years a Foreign Mis- 
sionary. I believe that he will be especially interested in the 
souls of these men. Whatever your previous preferences may 
have been, and whatever your expressions of preference, I desire 
you to consider it as the greatest personal favor you can grant 
me, to vote for the Rev. Dr. Scudder, of New York. I am will- 
ing to contribute, and I hope you all are, towards making Mr. 
Eddy whole in any outlay he may have made in expectation of 
the place : but I have thought this matter all over, and if one 
hundred thousand dollars were placed here on one hand, and the 
|lev. Dr. Scudder on the other, and I was told that it was the 



12 THE ORGANIZATION. 

last choice I could make in life, I should choose Dr. Scudder ! 
If I have to fall on the field, as perhaps I may, the Rev. Dr. 
Scudder is the man above all others whom I desire should min- 
ister to me in the last hour. 

Lieut.-Col. Goodrich and Major Brundage withdrew without 
voting. The company commanders voted as follows : Day, 
Redington, Hyde, J^llliott, Ransom, Jones, and Godard for 
Rev. Dr. Scudder. 

Clark,* Thomas and Smith for R. Eddy. 

Shortly after this vote the regiment was paraded, and Lieu- 
tenant Perkins mustered all present into the service of the 
United States for three years, or during the war. Later in 
the day, Company '^A" held an election, and chose 2d Lieut. 
William Montgomery, Captain. 

In the afternoon of the next day, Thursday, October 31st, 
the regiment was again paraded, when the Hon. John Fine 
presented a beautiful State banner in behalf of the ladies of 
Ogdensburgh. Judge Fine spoke as follows : 

Officers and Soldiers, — I am commissioned by the ladies of 
Ogdensburgh to present to you this banner, which is emblematic 
of the pride and greatness of the State of New York. We have 
confidence in your courage and patriotism, and that you will, 
with God's blessing, bear this banner aloft triumphant to vic- 
tory. Some of you are the descendants of men who fought and 
died on the Revolutionary field. A descent from such ancestors 
is a strong guarantee that you will not disgrace this banner by 
cowardice. Some of you are soldiers of the cross, and have laid 
your vows upon the altar to be faithful to God and your country. 
Remember the warning in your book of discipline : "It is bet- 
ter not to vow than to vow and no't perform.^' Most of you are 
natives of St, Lawrence county, and have been taught from your 
childhood to be proud of a county whose citizens are equal in 
intelligence, virtue and patriotism to any other county in the 



* First Lieutenant B. R. Clark, in command of Company 'A,'' 
by virtue of promotion of Capt. Goodrich. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 13 

Empire State; See to it that you do not, by misconduct, tarnish 
the fame of a county which contains the ashes of a Silas Wright. 
The finest representative of man, of fallen but redeemed man, 
is the Christian missionary, who, after toiling to instruct and 
bless his fellow-man, dies the death of a martyr in attestation of 
the truth he has taught. Next to him is the patriot soldier, 
who leaves his peaceful home for a distant field of battle to fight 
and die for his country. Y6u have a glorious mission, and may ' 
well be envied by many of us ; who, from age and sex, are un- 
able to accompany you ; but we shall follow you with our sym- 
pathies and prayers. The acceptance by you of this banner is 
an engagement on your part to make it your pillar of cloud by 
day, and your pillar of fire by night, to lead you on your march. 
Wherever it shall go you will go ; wherever it shall stand you 
will stand ; and on the battle-field it shall recall to your mem- 
ory the charge which I now give you, in the name of the ladies 
of Ogdensburgh, to conquer or die. May God bless you, and 
crown your arms with success, in. restoring peace and union to 
our beloved country ! 

The flag was received by Col. Hayward, who made the fol- 
lowing reply : 

As the representative, and in the name of the officers, non- 
commissioned officers and soldiers of the Sixtieth Regiment of 
New York State Volunteers, I accept with profound emotion this 
beautiful and costly testimonial from the ladies of Ogdensburgh 
to the beloved relatives and friends who are leaving their homes 
and firesides, and all that life holds dearest of tenderest relations, 
to go forth to the defence of the Union of these States, so blessed 
heretofore by God, but which now is sought to be disintegrated 
by wicked, aspiring, ambitious men. This flag shall be our rally- 
ing point ; and as we look up to its folds as they float upon the 
breezes which are sent from heaven, and as we catch the words 
"Jehovah Nissi" (God is our banner), we shall, with blessings 
upon the ladies of Ogdensburgh for so touching a memento of 
their kindness, their goodness, and their patriotism, and with a 
firm, unwavering trust in Almighty God to crown our efforts with 
successful issue, enter into the conflict strengthened by the bat- 
tle-cry of God and our country ! 



14 THE ORGANIZATION. 

After the flag presentation, B. H. Vary, Esq., on behalf of ' 
the ladies of Rensselaer Falls and Cooper's Falls, presented 
the soldiers with a package of woollen stockings, in the follow- 
ing remarks : 

Colonel Hayward, — I have received from the ladies of Canton* 
Falls and vicinity, and from Cooper's Falls and vicinity, this 
package of stockings, with the request that I would present them 
to this regiment. They are not as brilliant as the beautiful ban- 
ner presented by their sisters from Ogdensburgh ; but they evince 
the same warm and heartfelt patriotism, the same desire to con- 
tribute to the efficiency, comfort and happiness of the regiment. 
They are furnished, in compliance with the call of our country, 
upon the patriotism of her daughters, to supply, as rapidly as 
possible, articles of comfort for their husbands, fathers, brothers 
and sons, now in, and those about entering the field, for the no- 
ble purpose of supporting and sustaining the Government. To 
show that they are just the articles wanted — made just in the 
style they should be, I beg to read a few lines from the letter of 
Doctor Bellows, President of the Sanitary Committee: "Of flan- 
nel shirts there are an abundance ; but of socks, without the 
troublesome seam in the middle, there are not enough, and the 
women are urged to knit all they can by hand.'' Sir, there are 
several peculiarities about these stockings. They are made for 
brave and good men. No coward, traitor, or enemy of our coun- 
try, is ever to possess a single one of them. The last thing knit 
upon them was the toe, to show they were intended to advance, 
and not for cowardly retreat. There is not a bit of cotton in 
them ; cotton is a traitor ! The sheep that provided the wool 
from which this yarn was spun, and from which these stockings 
were knit, were reared upon our own meadows and pastures, 
know the voice of their shepherd, and are ever unassuming, true, 
honest and faithful. Soldiers, when you receive these stockings, 
remember that warm hearts at home are anxiously throbbing for 
your welfare ; that your mothers, wives and sisters look to your 
courage and faithfulness for the perpetuity of every useful bless- 
ing which a good government can give ; that while you are man- 
fully fighting the battles of our country, other busy fingers will 
be plying the' needle for your comfort, and tears of affection 



THE ORGANIZATION. 15 

will fill the eye and swell the heart over the memory of the 
loved, the brave but absent ones. Sir, I now present these stock- 
ings to you, to be by you distributed to your regiment as occa- 
sion and circumstances require. And when you return with your 
brow I'edecked with the laurels of the field, should you then seek 
for civic honors, and wish for the sufirages of the citizens of St. 
Lawrence county, you must be sure you can account well for 
the stockings ! 

Col. Hayward accepted, on behalf of the soldiers, the con- 
siderate gifts, in some very appropriate remarks. After the 
presentation had been made, Major Brundage escorted Adju.- 
tant Gale to the centre of the square, and he was presented 
with a sword and revolver from his friends and associates in 
New York city. Col. Hayward made the presentation. The 
articles were accompanied by the following letter ; 

20 Warren street, N. Y., Sept. 20, 1861. 
To RoLLiN C. Gale, Adjutant Sixtieth Regiment N. Y. S. V. : 

Dear Sir, — The undersigned, your friends, and late your com- 
panions at 20 Warren street, New York, entertaining a very high 
regard for jqvlv excellent qualities as a citizen and a soldier, beg 
leave to present to you the accompanying iprord as a token of 
their kindly remembrance of you, and their appreciation of your 
character. That it will never be dishonored in your hands we 
have the strongest guarantee in our knowledge of your past life. 
The voluntary soldier always assumes responsibilities of the 
gravest character. Whether he follows or leads, his obligations 
to his country and to mankind are not materially changed — for 
war, in its best aspect, is the greatest calamity that can befall a 
nation ; and that its rigor may be softened, depends wholly upon 
the courage, constancy and humanity of the soldier. But this 
is a war of necessity — a war of defence. We go into the conflict, 
not for plunder or for conquest, but for the integrity of the Gov- 
ernment, the very life of the nation. In the sacred name of 
Liberty, we draw the sword and unfurl our banners. It is a war 
for principle, justice, truth and humanity. How greatly, then, 
are the obligations of the soldier enlarged ! The war to which 
you are going is no holiday festival, no mere parade of men in 



16 THE ORGANIZATION. 

uniform. You are to encounter the actual and mortal risks of 
battle. Lamartine has said: "Every revolution must have its 
birth ; every birth its throes ; every throe its pangs ; and every 
pang its groan/' The hazards of vear and battle are before you, 
and not all vrill part v^here many meet ; it is a sacrifice by far 
the greatest that men can make. In hours of despondency your 
faith vsdll be enlarged, and your patriotism elevated by the mem- 
ories of our illustrious dead, and by the glorious history of our 
country. There are names, and incidents, and memories in our 
bright land which can never die while the nation lives. Wash- 
ington and Greene, Bunker Hill and Lexington, are names which 
are dear to America and Americans. They speak to us, in elo- 
quent words, from every patriot's grave ; they speak to us of sacri- 
fiises, of trials, of heroism, of fortitude, of devotion, and of triumph. 
Glorious watchwords these to the Northern soldiers ! Go forth,then, 
with the weapons of your warfare. Go with no doubt of the 
justice of 3'Our cause and of your ultimate success. Go, assured 
that you are remembered by your friends and countrymen at 
home ; and may the God of battles send you back to us crowned 
with the laurels of victory ! 

With sentiments of the greatest esteem, we remain sincerely 
your friends, 

Cy«s Clark, P. Bartlett, Jr., 

H. Parller, 0. W. Wilmot, 

L.M. Bates, W. C. Morse, 

William H. Sanford, W. B. Shackleton, 
T. E. Koberts, P. B. Berry, 

J. S. Hills, C. L. Knowles, 

Clark Skinner, C. B. Fox, 

Henry P. Cohen, Martin Kean, 

F. H. Corliss, William Bradley, 

Frank K. Rogers, George N. Bliss, 

B. F. Bigelow, J. H. Reed. 

', Adjutant Gale received the weapons in the following re- 
marks : 

Kind Friends and Former Associates of New York, — I ac- 
cept, with feelings of pride and pleasure, your beautiful and most 
opportune gift of sword and pistol ; and I return to you my most 



THE ORGANIZATION. 17 

grateful acknowledgments for the noble, patriotic and friendly 
sentiments with which your tokens are accompanied. Be assured, 
gentlemen, that I go forth to the campaign deeply impressed with 
a sense of the responsibilities of the volunteer soldier, and anxi- 
ous to discharge, in a creditable manner, the duties which I owe 
as a citizen to our common country. All considerations of per- 
sonal care or private interest should be held secondary, in the 
crisis of our national history, to the public safety. The nation 
has the right, now that her very life is at stake, to the property, 
the labor, and the lives of her citizens ; and I feel it, indeed, a 
proud and happy privilege to expose my life in defence of the 
glorious rights and free institutions won for us by the blood and 
sacrifice of our Kevolutionary fathers. . With your most accept- 
able gifts I march in a. .few days with my gallant volunteer 
comrades ; and be assured, gentlemen, I never shall draw these 
weapons except in defence of our common country ; and when- 
ever it becomes my duty to unsheath this sword in defence of that 
noble banner that floats proudly over our field, it will be done 
with a willing heart and steady hand, and never will be returned 
to its sheath with dishonor. Again thanking you for these liberal 
testimonials of your esteem, I bid you a hearty farewell. 

Kev. Mr. Miller closed the proceeding's with some patriotic 
remarks, and a prayer and benediction. 

After these ceremonies, Adjutant Gale read an order to the 
regiment to be in readiness to leave at eight o'clock Friday 
morning for the seat of war. 

The next morning, which was Friday, Col. Hayward ap- 
proved the previous appointment of Adjutant Gale, appointed 
Hon. Edwin A. Merritt, of Pierpont, Quartermaster, and gave 
the sutlership to William P. Tilley, of Malone. 

The reader will have noticed from the foregoing, that this 
regiment came into camp under a call for the 33d Regiment 
of Militia, and an assurance that the 33d had been accepted 
by the Governor ; but that a change in the name and number 
was effected before the command was sworn in. How this 
was brought about, or for what reasons, I have no meaffls of 
9 ^ 



18 THE ORANIZATION. 

knowing. Suspicions that there would be a change were first 
aroused when Col. Brundage returned from Albany, but the 
first positive information was given to the men when they 
listened to the reading of Col. Hayward's commission. Several 
reasons for the change were assigned by the soldiers, and by 
citizens, but I am not aware that any one who knew what the 
facts were, ever threw any light on the subject. 

The following is the general order under which volunteer 
regiments in the state of New York were organized in 1861 : 

General Headquarters, State of New York, 
* Adjutant-General's Office, 

Albany, July 30th, 1861. 
General Orders, No. 78. 

The President of the United States having made a requisition 
on the State of New York for 25,000 additional volunteers to 
serve for three years or during the war, the following regulations 
for their organization are hereby published : 

1. There will be 25 regiments, numbered from 43 to 67, both 
inclusive, one of which will be organized as Artillery, with six 
batteries of four guns each. - Detailed instructions for the Artil- 
lery will be published hereafter. 

2. Each Infantry regiment will consist of ten companies, and 
each company will be organized as follows : 

' One Captain, one 1st Lieutenant, one 2d Lieutenant, one Ist 
Sergeant, four Sergeants, eight Corporals, two Musicians, one 
Wagoner, and not less than sixty-four or more than eighty-two 
privates ; maximum aggregate, one hundred and one. 

3. Each regiment will be organized as follows : 



THE ORGANIZATION. 19 



Minimum. 



830 Company officers and enlisted men. 
1 Colonel. 

1 Lieutenant-Colonel. 
1 Major. 

1 Adjutant (a Lieutenant). 
1 Eegimental Quartermaster (a Lieutenant). 
1 Surgeon. 
1 Assistant Surgeon. 
1 Chaplain. 
1 Sergeant-Major. 

1 Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
1 Regimental Commissary-Sergeant. 

1 Hospital Steward. 

2 Principal Musicians. 
24 Musicians for Band. 



868 Aggregate. 



Maximum. 



1010 Company officers and enlisted men. 
1 Colonel. 

1 Lieutenant-Colonel. 
1 Major. 

1 Adjutant (a Lieutenant). 
1 Regimental Quartermaster (a Lieutenant. 
1 Surgeon. 
1 Assistant Surgeon. 
1 Chaplain. 
1 Sergeant-Major. 

1 Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
1 Regimental Commissary-Sergeant. 

1 Hospital Steward. 

2 Principal IMusicians. 
24 Musicians for Band. 



20 THE ORGANIZATION. 

4. There will be three Depots at which the volunteers will. 
assemble : 

One in New- York city, to be commanded by Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Yates ; 

One at Albany, to be commanded by Brigadier-General Eath- 
bone; and 

One at Elmira, to be commanded by Brigadier-General Van 
Valkenburgh. 

5. When 32 or. more persons shall present their application to 
the Commandant of a Depot for a company organization, he will 
appoint an Inspector to make an inspection, and after the above 
number of able-bodied men, between the ages of 18 and 45 
(minors having exhibited the written consent of their parents 

*or guardians), have been inspected by him, the Inspector will 
certify the result thereof to such commandant, by whose order 
transportation to his Depot will be provided. On their arrival 
there, they will be examined by the Medical Examiner of the 
Depot, and quarters and subsistence will be furnished. 

6. The above rule will apply to the transportation, &c., of the 
recruits, who may be enlisted from time to time, to complete the 
organization of a company. 

7. When 32 or more men shall have been thus accepted by 
the Medical Examiner, the Commandant of the Depot will im- 
mediately direct them to nominate, by ballot, a Captain .and 
Lieutenant of the company ; the remaining officers to be nomi- 
nated on the completion of the company organization. 

8. After an examination as hereinafter provided (paragraph 
16) of the per^sons so nominated as officers, the Commandant of 
the Depot will transmit the Inspection Roll, with certificates of 
inspection, nomination and examination, to the Adjutant-General 
of the State. If the company thus organized shall be accepted 
by the Commander-in-Chief, the pay of the officers and men will 
commence from the date ot such acceptance. 

9. The company Non-commissioned officers, until the company 
shall be embodied in a regiment, will be appointed by the Cap- 
tain ; afterwards by the Regimental Commander, on the recom- 
mendation of the Captain. 

10. The Field officers for these regiments will be appointed by ' 



THE ORGANIZATION. 21 

the Commander-in-Chief, after they shall have passed a satisfac- 
tory examination, before a Board of officers to be hereafter named^ 
and will be assigned to the various Depots, to superintend the 
organization of their regiments under the orders of the Com- 
mandants of Depots. 

. 11. If delay should occur in the filling up of any company or 
regiment to the vnimmum standard to entitle it to be mustered 
into the United States service, the Commander-in-Chief v^'ill dis- 
band or consolidate the incomplete organization, or transfer com- 
panies or accept new organizations, as circumstances may require. 
When companies are consolidated the officers will be assigned 
according to rank, and when rank is of the same date it will be 
fixed by lot. Officers rendered supernumerary by disbanding or 
consolidating incomplete companies or regiments, will be dis- 
^arged from the service, and their pay &c., will cease from the 
date of such discharge. 

12. After the acceptance of a regiment, the Colonel will ap- 
point from the company subalterns an Adjutant and a Regimental 
Quartermaster, who may be reassigned to companies at his 
pleasure. , 

13. The Surgeon and Assistant-Surgeon will be appointed by 
the Commander-in-Chief, after they shall have passed an exami- 
nation by a commission prescribed by the Medical Department. 

14. The Non-commissioned Staff will be selected by the Colonel 
from the non-commissioned officers and privates of the regiment ; 
and vacancies so created will be filled by appointment as is pre- 
scribed above. 

15. The Regimental Chaplain will be appointed by the Regi- 
mental Commander, on the vote of the field officers and company 
commanders on duty with the regiment at the time the appoint- 
ment is made. The Chaplain must be a regularly ordained min- 
ister of some Christian denomination, and will receive the pay 
and allowances of a Captain of Cavalry. 

16. The^ Commander-in-Chief will appoint for each Depot a 
Board of Examiners, to examine into the qualifications of per- 
sons nominated for ^company officers. 

17. Field officers will be examined in the School of the Com- 
pany and Battalion ; Company officers in the School of the Sol- 
dier and Company ; Artillery officers, in addition to the above, 



22 THE ORGANIZATION. 

will be examined in Artillery tactics and the other branches of 
that arm of the service. The^ Examiners will also inquire into 
the moral character and habits of the persons examined, and re- 
port for the information of the Commander-in-Chief. When a 
person designated as an of&cer shall be found not qualified, an- 
other nomination will be made instead. When no nomination 
shall be made to the Commander-in-chief, he will fill the vacancy. 

18. When regiments are duly organized according to the above 
Regulations, they will be presented for muster into the service Ij 
of the United States. Care will be taken to send one Muster 
Roll to the Adjutant-General of the State. 

19. The following extracts from General Order No. 15, from 
the War Department, will be deemed a part of this order. 

"The ofiicers, non-commissioned officers and privates organized 
as above set forth, will, in all respects, be placed on the footing, 
as to pay and allowances, of similiar corps of the regular army : 
Provided, that their allowances for clothing shall be $2.50 per . 
month for Infantry. 

" Every volunteer Non-commissioned officer, private, musi- 
cian and artificer, who enters the service of the United States 
under this plan, shall be paid at the rate of 50 cents, and if a 
Cavalry volunteer 25 cents additional, in lieu of forage, for every 
20 miles of travel from his home to the place of muster, the dis- 
tance to be measured by the shortest usually travelled route ; 
and when honorably^ discharged, an allowance, at the same rate, 
from the place of his discharge to his home, and in addition 
thereto the sum of one hundred dollars. 

" Any volunteer who may be received into the service of 
the United States under this plan, and who may be wounded or 
otherwise disabled in the service, shall be entitled to the benefits 
which have been or may be conferred on persons disabled in the 
regular service, and the legal heirs of such as die or may be 
killed in service, in addition to all arrears of pay and allow- 
ances, shall receive the sum of one hundred dollars. 

" The Bands of the regiments of Infantry will be paid as 
follows : one-fourth of each will receive the j)ay and allowances 
of sergeants of Engineer soldiers ; one-fourth those of corpo- 
rals of Engineer soldiers, and the remaining half those of pri- 
vates of Engineer soldiers of the 1st Class. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



23 



" The Wagoners and Saddlers will receive the pay and al- 
lowances of Corporals of Cavalry. 

" The Regimental Commissary Sergeant will receive the pay 
and allowances of a Regimental Sergeant-Major. The Company 
Quarter-Master Sergeant the pay and allowances of a Sergeant 
of Cavalry." 

By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 

DUNCAN CAMPBELL, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 



From the " Regimental Descriptive Book/' made up about 
Februaiy 1st, 1862, I have drawn the following names of the 
non-commissioned ofi&cers and privates belonging to the Regi- 
ment. All, except three or four of these, were with us at 
Camp Wheeler. 

Company "A.'^ 



Aldous, S. 
Allen, T. 
Abel, C. C. 
Brooks, W. M. 
Bissell, L. 
Bruseau, P. 
Buck, L. 
Bonney, W. B. 
Balcom, M. K. 
Bissell, C. y. 
Bissell, E. 
Blount, S. P. 
Byrom, H. R. 
Barber, C. B. 
Church, R. A. 
Clark, L. 
Covey, H. 
Cagle, N. F. 



Crowley, J. F. 
Crowley, M. H. 
Clark, 0. E. 
Chaney, R. B. 
Carson, A. 
Coon, S. H. 
Chaney, J. B. 
Cook, G-. L. 
Carpenter, W. S. 
Chamberlain, C. C. F. 
Cleland T. 
Crowley, P. 
Champlain, F. J. 
Crane, E. L. 
Clark, E. 
Crowley, J. 
Duprey, J. 
Duprey, L. 



24 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



Dickinson, N. M. 
Daily, J. T. 
Davenport, A. 
Enslow, S. H. 
Ellis, J. 
Elmer, R. S. 
Fitch, J. C. 
Fitcli, W. H. 
Fisk, A. 
Finley, E. S. 
Ford, E. W. 
Gray, A. P. 
Oebo, P., Jr. 
Gates, L. L. 
Harlow, H. 
Harper, J. 
Hart, D. E. 
Havens, R. P. 
Haskell, S. C. 
Kellog, G. H. 
Kelley, J. 
Lasier, J., Jr. 
Lockwood, D. R. 
Lasell, S. W. 
Lequea, L. H. 
McDonald, D. A. 
McKee, E. G 
McCormick, J. 
McMonegal, J. 
McCuen, L. 
North, E. D. 
Olin, W. N. 



Preston, J. C. 
Perry, De W. C. 
Pelton, H. E. 
Parker, D. 
Pennington, H. 
Robinson, J. A. 
Robinson, A. 0. 
Robinson, J. 
Robertson, D. M. 
Royal, W. H. 
Rose, E. 
Shepard, 0. 
Sturtevant, H. 
Smith, W. 
Stevenson, E. 
Smith, S. W. 
Sevey, J. 
Stevenson, P 
Smith, H. T. 
Severance, C. H. 
Stone, H. 
Shannahan, T. 
Tilley, W. N. 
Tanner, H. F. 
Taplin, W. 0. 
Tupper, L. 
Thompson, W. 
Willson, L. S. 
Whitford, J. B. 
White, M. 
Wait, F. H. 
Worden, J. S. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



25 



COMP. 


INY "B." 


Alywood, J. 


Mason, D. G. 


Brasie, A. 


Moore, H. 


Bolton, E. E. 


Mead, M. 


Brasie, G-. 


McGregor, J. 


Ballow, M. S. 


Newman, G. W 


Bishop, Gr. 


Peck, L. 


Corbett, D. 


Patridge, E. H 


Congar, N. W. 


Quinlin, J. 


Cunningliam, J. H. 


Eoberts, J. M. 


Cumming, 0. S. 


Bounds, D, E. 


Clements, J). 


Baven, J. C. 


Cummings, J. A. 


Baven, J. 


Charter, N. 


Bussell,M. 


Day, S. W. 


Boss, S. 


Daily, S. 


Sherwin, J. 


Dana, D. Z. 


Sterling, W. E 


Delong, C. 


Sayer, C. 


Delong, M. B. 


Shappee, F. 


Dorgan, J. 


Sisson, C. H. 


Duncan, J. 


Soper, T. H. 


Downing, T. J. 


Smithers, G. 


Fishback, E. F. 


Sterling, W. 


Fishback, S. 


Scanlon, J. 


Finley, A. 


Turnbull, C. 


Fardan, J. 


Valley, P. 


Graves, D. 


Ward, W. 


Hicks, A. E. 


Wells, G. 


Houghton, a. W. 


Washburn, S. 


Hyde, A. 


Wilson, B., Jr. 


Houghton, C. H. 


Works, L. 


Hyde, M. 


Wright, J. 


House, N. 


Ward, A. 


Johnson, W. 


Ward, J. 


King, J. 


Works, W. 


Knights, G. H. 


3 



26 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



Company "C/ 



Austin, B. 
Buttles, H. W. 
Backus, S. 
Burzee, A. . 
Burnham, A. H. 
Barney, J. 
Brien, D. 
Burns, J. W. 
Bush, N. 
Barber, L. 
Brown, S. S. 
Burdick, S. F. 
Brewster, C. 
Carlisle, B. 
Crawford, J. 
Corben, S. 
Collins, M. D. 
Collins, W. E. 
Clink, a. 
Churcbill, W. 
Clark, C. 
Dunn, H. W. 
Dygert, K. 
Densmore, J. M. 
Eastman, G-. M. 
Elderkin, G-. E. 
Enslow, a. E. 
Fitch, F. M. 
Fox, 0. W. 
Gurley, W. S. 
Glazier, J. 
Goodwin, G. E. 
Gates, N. 



Hill, G. W. 
Holliday, D. 
Hyde, N. 
Harder, C. H. 
Haskins, G. 
Hayne, P. 
Knox, L. J. 
Lamphear, L. J. 
Lasier, J. 
Lewis, F. C. 
Lewis, J. 
Lasselle, J. A. 
Lyon, D. H. 
Mclntyre, W. A. 
Macier, J. 
McDaid, L. 
Morrison, D. 
Mc Williams, H. 
Mitchell, H. 
Marsh, G. W. 
Nice, C. 
Nettleton, E. 
Norton, J. 
O'Neil, C. 
Phillips, T. 
Powers, H. W. 
Pickert, J. 
Petrie, G. 
Petrie, M. 
Petrie, J. 
Bose, L, A. 
Robinson, J. F. 
Rock, W. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



27 



Reed, W. J. 
Ryan, G. F. 
Soper, L. M. 
Sibbitts, J. 
Sherman, Gr. H. 
Severance, Gr. 
Schuyler, 0. 
Starr, J. M. 
St. James, M. 
Thomas, L. 
Tyler, L. 
Vroman, N. 



Van Tassell, E. 
Wiley, N. 
Wilson, J. E. 
Willis, J. 
Warner, B. F. 
Watson, Gr. 
Weaver, A. 
White, J. 
Worden, H. N. 
Wilson, E. 
Yerden, S. H. 
Yerden, J. 



Company «D.'' 



Adams, S. 
Annis, Gr. 
Allen, A. 
Ayers, A. 
Ayers, M. 
Bennett, Gr. 
Bromaghin, A. 
Brill, N. L. 
Brill, 0. P. 
Bullock, W. 
Barnes, H. 
Billings, a. 
Brown, J. 
Brown, D. 
Beach, E. 
Clark, W. W. 
Cramer, L. 
Cramer, J. S. 
Colton, J. L. 
Cavenaugh, J. 
Clark, G. R. 



Cardinell, F. 
Cardinell, J. 
Carpenter, Gr. 
Comstock, L. E. 
Colton, J. 
Cole, J. M. 
Carter, V. M. 
Carpenter, N. 
Casey, T. 
Dawson, W. W. 
Daniels, L. 
Erls, W. 
Flack, a. W. 
Furgerson, M. 
.Furgerson, H. 
Furgerson, J. 
Gray, J. K. 
Geer, A. 
Galvin, M. 
Gleason, L. 
Gleason, H. 



28 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



Harmer, J. 
Hutchinson, R. 
Hoffman, N. 
Havens, "VY. 
Harris, H. 
Ivers, T. 
King, a. W. 
Knapp, S. 
Lamphear, E. 
LiUie, J. N. 
Lawrence, M. 
Lawton, J. 
Lawson, Gr. S. 
Morgan, A. G. 
Makee, W. 
Merrihew, C. B. 
Merrihue, Y. 
Moore, J. D. 
McAllister, J. 
Manchester, G. 
Morrill, C. B. 
Noble, 0. 
Norman, S. C 
Nelson, E. 
Nelson, R. 
Norman, N. 
Oliver, W. 



E. 



Platney, O. L. 
Palmer, J. 
Rockwell, L. 
Rice, C. 
Richards, S. E. 
Reed, L. 
Reed, E. 
Robinson, D. Y. 
Stephenson, J. 
Scott, P. 
Streeter, J. 
Safford, a. 
Tuller, L. W. 
Titus, S. J. 
Taylor, R. 
Trumble, W. 
Tupper, S. 
Wetherell, W. R. 
Wells, J. 

Wells, a. 

Wetherell, D. B. 
Wellington, S. A. 
West, A. 
Wood, S. 
Wells, A. 
Wells, C. 



Company ^^E." 



Allen, H^ E. 
Annett, J. 
Bently, W. H. 
Benware, L. E. 
Berry, J. M. 
Burns, T. 



Burns, J. 
Barton, L. J. 
Butterfield, L. 
Brand, A. L. 
Bigelow, A. D. 
Brayton, J. 



THE ORaANIZATION. 



29 



F. 



Briggs, A. 
Blake, W. 
Curtis, 0. 
Canfield, H. 
Collins, S. 
Chase, 0. 
Cheaney, C. 
Coapy, J. 
Cheaney, Gr. 
Cornish, G. G-. 
Curtis, I. 
Cole, J. M. 
Chineveat, A. 
Chase, H. M. 
Clark, L. 
Crocker, M. 
Devenport, Gr. H. 
Dailey, M. 
Eastabrooks, "W. 
Evans, P. M. 
Earl€,W. H. H. 
Fellows, L. 
Ferris, J. N. 
Gage, L. S. , 
Gonia, F. 
Graves, F. 
Gallagher, F. 
Greeno, L. 
Greeno, J. 
Groodrich, Z. " 
Gabree, W. 
Howe, J. 
Handley, J. 
Herrichy, J. 
Hinman, B. 
3^ 



Hayt, A. 
Hathaway, H. J. 
Kimpton, W. H. 
Lee, N. F. 
Lee, L. L. 
Lamson, T. A. 
Low, R. G. 
Mooran, B. 
Melvin, S. P. 
Mooney, J. 
Mulholland, T. 
Morehead, W. 
Maher, P. * 
Maher, E. 
Mortimer P. 
Park, W. 
Paye, H. N. 
Perrigo; B. F. 
Place, J. 
Prarie, 0. 
Park, C. N. 
Place, H. 
Raymond, J. O. 
Bamsdell, R. 
Russell, D. 
Raustin, T. 
Riley, J. 
Stanley, M. D. 
Steemberge, W. 
St. Antoine, G. 
Somers, A. 
Somers, B. C. 
Silsbee, J. A. 
Skiff, A. N. 
Sancorab, C. 



30 



THE ORaANIZATION. 



Sabins, H. Thompson, E. A. 

Smith, G-. Thompson, S. R. C. 

Stancliff, R. R. Washburn, Q. 

Smith, A. Wood, F. 

Skeels, W. 0. Wilcox, A. H. . 

Sherden, M. Willard, C. D. 

Silsbee, Q. M. Weller, H. G. 

Taro, F. Walohon, B. 

Company "F." 

Adams, J. W. Eggelston, J. 
Adrain, H. ' Fiefield, J. 

Allies, L. B. Fredenberg, R. 

Allen, J. Flanigan, J. 

Byette, J. ' Flanigan, H. 

Barker, W. J. Farmer, B. 

Boyd, T. Fairbanks, J. 

Beyzett, J. Flack, H. 

Byett, S. Guilfoil, M. 

Carnithan, L. Gordon, W. 

Chilton, J. Grimshaw, J. 

Conklin, J. Giffin, D. G. 

Clark, J. C. Guild, W. 

Coffee, A. Gotham, J. 

Cozens, C. Giffin, D. W. 

Cozens, B. Head, M. 

Cleland, W. Hullitt, W. 

Chambers, J. Heath, S. 

Chambers, T. Hydorn, J. 

Cleland, G. Haverstock, C. 

Daniels, H. Heath, H. 

Downs, H. Havens, H. • 

Downs, J. W. Harvey, A. 

Donnelly, E. Keyse, J. 

Durham, A. Kellison^ J. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



31 



Kennedy, J. ^ 


Santo, A. 


Leonard, M. 


Schuyler, J. 


Mahony, P. 


Smith, W. 


Mills, J. M. 


Santo, C. 


McDonald, W. 


Stewart, Gr. 


Nolan, M. , 


Stewart, H. 


Prouse, F. 


Stone, N. 


Page, J. F. 


Sayers, Gr. 


Palmer, H. 


Stewart, W. 


Pruner, A. 


Stork, J. 


Keva, J. 


Spring, M. 


Robinson, J. 


Sullivan, D. 


Eice, C. 


Sewell, G-. 


Reed, F. 


Turner, E. 


Reilly, F. 


Thayer, E. 


Ryan, J. 


Thompson, H. 


Radican, J. 


Wright, J. 


Smitliers, A. 


Warden, J. M 


Stevens, M. 


Weymouth, C. 


Stevens, H. 


Walrath, A. 


Company 


"G." • 


Adams, A. 


Curry, A. 


Arney, J. 


Corey, J. 


Alguire, J. 


Caple, M. 


Bird, S. R. 


Corey, S. 


Bird, 0. 


Champian, Gr. 


Bordwell, B. T. 


Dano, C. E. 


Burzee, W. G- 


Darsell, N. 


Boland, J. 


Doran, E. 


Barnard, J. 


Dundon, P. 


Bromley, J. 


Dano, J. H. 


Burzee, C. 


Eggleston, J. 


Corbino, L. 


Foot, C. 



THE ORaANIZATION. 



Farley, J. 


Miller, D. 


Flora, P. 


Morrison, D. 


Grans, Gr. 


Miller, S. 


Grans, N. 


McNamarra, R. 


Graham, A. 


McNally, T. 


Gardiner, L. 


Myers, S. • 


Gates, W. 


Nichols, B. 


How,G. 


Olney, E. J. 


Horton, C. 


Oney, L. 


Hedding, J. 


Eies, G. R. 


Hatch, J. C. 


Rickey, H. 


Hepburn, A. 


Royce, A. 


Isner, A. 


Rusaw, L. 


Johnson, M. 


Seeley, D. G. 


Johnson, I. 


Saunders, 0. W 


Johnson, J. 


Shoen, A. 


Jordin, W. C. 


Shanan, H. 


Keen an, W. 


Sutton, A. 


Lavier, G. 


Smith, B. 


Lockwood, E. L. 


Short, T. C. 


Lewis, C. W. 


Scholl, J. 


Lytle, G. 


Thompson, C. 


Loomis, A. G. 


Taylor, B. F. 


Laughery, H. A. 


Tomlinson, J. 


Lanway, L. 


Turner, H. 


Lytle, A. E. 


Turner, H. C. 


Miller, W. 


Wait, J. S. 


Miller, J. E. 


Wilson, L. B. 


Merys, J. T. 


Woodley, J. E. 


Mead, H. 


Wright, E. L. 


Murry, P. 


Ward, P. 


McCloud, N. 


Wilson, A. 


McNamarra, J. 


Woomark, J. 


McCabe, T. 


Welsh, J. R. 


McDowell, H. 


Wilson, L. 



THE ORGANIZATION, 



33 



Company "H.' 



Ayres, P. 
Allen, A. L. 
Ackerson, D. M. 
Brooks, B. F. 
Barcomb, T. 
Buckman, H. H. 
Blanchard, J. 
Bruce, W. 
Bond, L. M. 
Bully, G-. 
Brockway, P. H. 
Baker, P. 
Cox, J.* 
Chase, R. A. 
Curtis, C. 
Cain, J. 
Dickinson, C. H. 

Dixon, H. 

Dukett, E. 

Davis, A. •* 
" Denacore, M. 

Ebare,D. 

Fincli, W. H. 

Guiniup, A. W. 

Gannon, B. 

Guiniup, A. A. 

Hubbell, A. F. 

Huckins, J. A. 

Howes, A. S. 

Hayward, M. M. 

Hayford, J. B. 

Harding, W. C. 

Harbison, F. 



Ingram, J. 
Kirby, T. 
Kelly, M. 
Long, H. 
Lablue, A. 
Lezott, B. 
Lasua, S. 
Lafountain, W. 
Lavanway, D. 
Long, S. 
Lapage, A. 
Luther, A. G. 

Lafountain, O. 

McAvoy, J. 

Myers, H. 

Moss, P. 

Miller, F. 

Mayo, G. 

Malhinch, T. 

Monett, G. - 

Megin, J. 

Masury, W. T. 

Masury, G. W. M. 

Nichols, J. 

Neill, J. 

Nicholls, D. 

O'Connell, J. 

Oriel, C. 

Porter, E. H. 

Powers, E. 
Passenau, S. 

Ploof, G. 
Pray, A. H. 



34 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



Pickle, J. 
Preno, B. 
Rider, S. 
Rubadeau, M. 
Rogers J. 
Rogers, A. 
Stone, J. 
Stearns, J. C. 
Stacy, P. 
Trudell, B. 
Tees, W. 
Thurber, J. H. 



Tryon, M. M. 
Traner, 0. 
Upton, W. . 
Upton, E. 
Vaughn, A. 
Wisher, J. H. 
Wilson, H. 
Wilson, A. 
Wells, C. 
White, J. E. 
Welch, H. 



Company "I. 



Brown, J. 
Babcock, L. 
Barnes, J. A. 
Bashan, J. 
Bashan, P. 
Blaisdell, A. 
Brownson, J. M. 
Blaisdell, S. 
Blount, J. P. 
Chaffer, C. P. 
Chaffer, J. E. 
Chaffer, N. J. 
Courtney, G-. 
Curtis, W. H. 
Chase, N. P. 
Curtis, L. P. 
Curtis, E. 
Cutler, C. B. 
Daggett, N. 
Daggett, G. W. 
De Cair, D. 



De Cair^ J. 
Davis, H. W. 
De Burke, T. 
Dawson,, T. 
Eldridge, E. 
Fairfield, A. 
Fiske, A. 
Fis%, B. 
Fiske, R. 
Flanders, R. 
Forbes, S. 
Griffin, L. C. 
Gray, C. 
Gray, F. L. 
Hartson, P. 
Hoxie, F. 
Holmes, N. 
Hamlin, F. 
Harvey, J. 
Humphey, W. 
Johnson, F. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



35 



Kent, E. A. 
Kendall, H. D. 
King, J. 
Kirby, C. 
Knowlton, W. W. 
Leahy, W. 
Leahy, J). 
Le Drake, S. 
Lavane, A. 
Malia, P. 
McCarthy, T. 
Meacham, W. 
Morgan, W. 
Murphy, W. 
Murphy, T. 
McDonald, P. 
McCauslin, W. 
McDonald, D. 
Nash, D. A. 
Nobles, J. 
Pease, CO. 
Pease, C. • 
Peck, L. 
Poquet, J. 



Pease, N.^ « 
Peck'N.* 
Pettis, R. R. 
Quagin, M. 
Regan, J. 
Remington, H, 
Rising, J. 
Stearns, T. J. 
Shampine, J. 
Sanford, C. 
Shelden, P. 
Smith, H. J. 
Sweeney, J. 
Shampine, L 
Townsend, A. 
Tyner, R. 
Waist, C. E. 
Ward, M. 
Whitman, D. P. 
Wood, C. B. 
Winslow, F. L 
Wilbur, G-. 
Whitman, H. 
Wood, A. 



R. 



Company ^< K.' 



Angus, J. 
Aldons, C. 
Austin, J. 
Barker, D. 
Bullis, M. 
Buttles, H. W. 
Bruce, A. 
Bruce, 0. O. 
Barnhart, E. 



Blanchard, E. 
Bowen, J. 
Ballow, S. 
Boyed, R. 
Conlin, J. C. 
Currier, I. 
Chambers, D. 
Chambers, H. 
Chapin, J. 



36 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



Coglin, J. 
Cleflen, 0. 
Crawford, L.. 
Currier, H. 
Castle, H. A. 
Catura, F. 
Davis, C. P. 
Dunton, 0. C. . 
Duffy, F. 
Daily, R. H. 
Dwane, J. 
Doarn, S. 
Daniels, B. E. 
Daniels, A. 
Ellis, G. W. 
Ellis, W. P. 
Eveson, J. 
Fields, J. F. 
^Freeman, D. R. 

Ford, M. S. 

Follette, E. R. 

Force, C. 

Forward, J. L. 

Force, C. 

Griffis, E. P. 

Gleason, G. 

Gillin, M. 

Gurley, W. D. 

Haywood, M. H. 

Hicks, S. V. 

Howe, D. H. 

Howe, W. L. 

Harrington, L. C. 

Hickey, M. A. 

Hudson, D. A. 



Haywood, E. 
Hanks, L. 
Kelsey, J. E. 
Lun, W. 
Ladd, W. M. 
Liskum, W. 
Laden, J. 
Lanway, J. H. 
Mills, J. R. 
Mason, E. 
Merritt, J. 
Miller, W. 
Mason, L. 
Mayhew, J. 
Munson, P. A. 
Miller, A. 
Meaohara, H. E. 
Newell, G. 
Parker, H. A. 
Parker, J. S. 
Peck, E. 

Preston, D. 

Potter, L. 
Page, F. S. 
Perry, J. W. 

Perry, J. T. 

Preston, J. 

Rich, E. A. 

Rush, G. 

Reed, D. 

Rowley, H. B. 

Steenbarge, A. T. 

Stewart, J. 

Sullivan, J. O. 

Sheldon, H. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 37 

Stoddard, S. Wheelock, G. S. 

Stevens, J. Wakefield, W. N. 

Shampine, L. Webster, E. 

Thomas, J. - White, 0. 

Tripp, R. Whiting, G. W. 

The full strength of the Regiment on leaving for the seat 
of war, November 1st, 1861, was as follows : 

Field and Staff. 
Colonel — William B. Hayward. 
Lieutenant-Colonel — William B. Goodrich. 
Major — Charles B. Brundage. 
Surgeon — James S. Gale. 
Assistant Surgeon — William B. Chambers. 
' Chaplain — Richard Eddy. 

Quartermaster — Edwin A. Merritt. 
Quartermaster Sergeant — Byron T. Bordwell. 
Commissary Sergeant — Duncan M. Robertson. 
Hospital Steward — George G. Cornish. 
Principal Musician — Sanford Blaisdell. 
Drum Major— Wilder P. Ellis. 
Sergeant Major — George W. Hill. 

Company Officers. 
Captain William Montgomery, Company A. 
Captain David Day, 2d, Company B. 
Captain John C. 0. Redington, Company C. 
Captain Winslow M. Thomas, Company D. 
Captain William H. Hyde, Company E. * 
Captain Thomas Elliott, Company F. 
Captain Hugh Smith, Company G. 
Captain James M. Ransom, Company H. 
Captain Jesse H. Jones, Company I. 
Captain Abel Godard, Company K. 
4 



38 THE ORGANIZATION. 

First Lieutenant Benjamin R. Clark, Company A. 
. First Lieutenant John Snyder, Company B. 
First Lieutenant James Young, Company C. 
First Lieutenant James M. King, Company D. 
First Lieutenant P. Shelly Sinclair, Company E. 
First Lieutenant John Delany, Company F. 
First Lieutenant Orsoa M. Foot, Company Gr. 
First Lieutenant Loring E. White, Company H. 
First Lieutenant Guy Hogan, Company J. 
First Lieutenant Henry C. Eastman, Company K. 
Second Lieutenant James Hurst, Company B. 
Second Lieutenant Thomas Hohart, Company C. 
Second Lieutenant George M. Gleason, Company D. 
Second Lieutenant Hosea C. Reynolds, Company E. 
Second Lieutenant Milton F. Spencer, Company F. 
Second Lieutenant John Dundon, Jr., Company G. 
Second Lieutenant Marcellus L. Fitch, Company H. 
Second Lieutenant Lyman M. Shedd, Company I. 
Second Lieutenant Abner B. Shipman, Company K. 

Band. 
Henry S. Wright, Leader. 

1st Class. W. H. Easton, 2d Class. J. M. Bonner. 

J. L. Millis, H, Conway, 

P. S. Pasha, D. C. Packard, 

J. A. Wood, G. W. Coburn, 

S. A. Green, G. R. Ries. 

Sd Class. E. L. Lockwood, L. McClallen, 

A. Hamel, > . M. J. White, 

M. M. Follett, E. Axtell, 

H. E. Kirkham, J. F. Crowley. 
T. Carr, 



THE ORGANIZATION. 



39 



NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES. 







Present. 


Privates Absent. 




1 
1 


00 

a 


1 


1 

2 




3 

5 


1 

3 
1 


Is 

83 T< 


Com 


pany A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

I 

K 


4 
5 
4 
5 
5 
4 
5 
5 
5 
5 


6 

8 
8 
8 
8 

8 
7 
8 
8 
8 


1 
1 

1 

2 

2 

2 
2 
2 


82 
58 
70 
81 
82 
71 
75 
74 
72 
76 


1 


6 

1 


3 

5 

2 

1 
4 

7 


96 

78 
88 
98 
96 
87 
91 
89 
87 
98 






47 


77 


13 


741 


1 


7 


22 


936 



Field and Staff 13 

Captains and Lieutenants 29 

Band 20 



Whole strength of the Regiment 998 



40 GOING INTO SERVICE, 



II. 

GOING INTO SEHVICE. 

When the action of the officers wa^ reported to me, I felt 
that it was my duty to contend for what seemed to be my 
right, and not submit, if I could prevent it, to the fickleness 
of those whose previous assent to my appointment had been 
the cause of my leaving my charge at Canton, and making 
other material changes. 

I immediately went to the village of Ogdensburgh, and 
consulted with friends who were familiar with all the facts 
concerning my connection with the regiment ; and, by their 
advice, determined to go 'in person to Albany, and lay the 
case before Governor Morgan. Hon. A. B. James gave me a 
letter of introduction to his Excellency, in which he reminded 
him that the papers necessary for my appointment were 
already on file with the Adjutant-General, and urged that the 
ends of justice would only be met by my receiving the com- 
mission which the Governor had already promised me. 

On the way to Albany, I met Hon. C. G^. Myers, then 
Attorney-General of the State, and Hon. W. H. Dart, United 
States District Attorney, both of whom, after reading Judge 
James' letter, appended to it a few words of commendation 
and approval. Thus furnished with what would at least pro- 
cure me an audience with the Governor, I reached Albany, 
and at once applied for admission at the Executive Chamber, 
which was immediately granted. Colonel Hayward had sent 
a long telegram to the Governor, desiring him to send a com- 
mission direct to Rev. Dr. Scudder, and some one else had 



GOING INTO SERVICE, -^1 

forwarded a message requesting him to do nothing about it 
till I should arrive. I was therefore expected, and at once 
obtained an interview. After reading the letter, and satisfy- 
ing himself that I was a regularly ordained minister, the 
Governor went into the Adjutant-G-eneral's room, where he 
found and soon returned with the letter of Colonel Brun- 
dage, containing my nomination, and the certificate I have 
previously mentioned, and which reads as follow: — 

f . • 

. ■ " Camp Wheeler, Sept. 17th, 1861. 

" To Rev. Richard Eddy : 

" This is to certify to you that I have, with the consent and 
approval of the following named Captains, nominated you for 
the Chaplaincy of the Regiment now being organized at this 
camp. 

Captain W. B. Goodrich, Captain Thomas Elliott, 

'' B. Bay, 2d, " Hugh Smith, 

" W. M. Thomas, " J. M. Ransom, 

" W. II. Hyde, " A. Godard. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

CIIAS. R. BRUNBAGE, 

Colonel Commanding." 

On reading these documents and referring to paragraph 15 
of General Orders No. 78, which prescribes the manner in 
which Chaplains shall be appointed, (as see Chapter I.,) the 
Governor decided that my appointment was regular, and that 
I need give myself no further concern about it. On my rep- 
resenting to him that the regiment had probably left camp 
that morning, but that I, uncertain how my case might be 
decided, had been compelled to leave my horse and baggage 
behind, he sent me to the Quartermaster-General, who fur- 
nished me with transportation to Ogdensburgh, and back 
again to Albany, where I was to report for further orders. 

In a short time I was on my way to Ogdensburgh, via 
Whitehall, at which place I remained over night. The regi- 
ment left Ogdensburgh for Albany on the morning of Novem- 
4* 



42 GOING INTO SERVICE. ' 

ber 1st, and was expected at Wliiteliall early on the morning 
of the 2d. A little before daylight I went down to the 
wharf. The boats were just in. I reported myself to Colonel 
Hay;ward as his Chaplain, reminding him that I had pre- 
viously informed him what papers I had on file in Albany, 
and that the Governor had decided that they were sufficient. 
The Colonel seemed very much surprised and embarrassed, 
and simply answered : " Very well, sir ! very well !'' 

I accompanied the regiment as far as Saratoga, and there 
took the return train. Colonel H. remarked to the Adjutant 
that he should upset my matters as soon as he got to Albany, 
and was very confident that Dr. Scudder would yet have the 
Chaplaincy. Accordingly he took Major Brundage with him 
to an interview with the Governor, and desired the Major to 
give a full statement of the case ; upon his doing which the 
Governor replied : " That is just what Mr. Eddy stated yes- 
terday." 

"Then you will appoint Dr. Scudder, of course,'' said 
Colonel Hayward. 

" No," replied the Governor, " AVe don't do things here 
one day to undo them the next." 

It was intended that the regiment should go directly through 
to Washington, without delay ; but, for the accommodation of 
the Colonel, they were landed in New Tork. After being 
uncomfortably quartered on filthy boats and barges during 
the most of Saturday and the whole of Sunday, they were 
marched up town on Monday morning, where two flags were 
presented, one by Mrs. A. T. Stewart, and the other by the 
firm and employees of Stone, Starr & Co. The hitter was 
presented at Union Square ; and I find the following account 
of the presentation in the " Journal of the American Tem- 
perance Union :" 

''COLOXEL HAYWARD's SPEECH. 

" Few men are of as high Christian character as Colonel Hay- 
ward, of the COih Regiment New York Volunteers. On being 



GOING INTO SERVICE. 43 

presented with a banner by the house of Stone & Starr, in New 
York, he said : 

" 'Ladies and Gentlemen: My heart is full — full. A man's 
sense of duty, and devotion to his country and his God, and to 
the dear friends who entrust him with their confidence, must be 
read in his acts, not in his words. Unaccustomed as I am to 
speaking in such a presence in the open air, I cannot hope to 
make you feel what I feel. But I trust you will bear with me, 
and believe me. Need I say to you how much I feel honored by 
the friends who have bestowed upon me and this regiment— not 
yet more than fifty days since the enlistment, new to their duties, 
and not quite so well drilled as some of the Seventh Regiment 
whom I see before me — this beautiful ensign, the flag of our 
Union ! It is an honor which deeply moves me, and of which I 
feel, as I read myself, altogether unworthy. 

" ' Yet I would respond frankly to the new obligations which 
this presentation lays upon me. If I have any ambition, it is 
an ambition to do my whole duty to you, my friends, my coun- 
try, and my God, and deserve the honor which is this day and 
in this presence bestowed upon me and my regiment. I go out 
to my service to my country as a duty which I owe to God first 
of all, then to my country, then, my friends, to you. 

*" I go in the name of the Lord God Almighty, and in that 
name we will bear aloft this banner. I go to the field because I 
believe it is the will of my Heavenly Father ; and should I fail 
— I will recall it ; I will not use the word. To him who goes at 
the call of duty — in the name of the Lord — there can be no such 
thing as fail. 

" 'My employers, my friends, I here unsheath this sword. It 
is no idle sign. My heart's blood goes with this sword; and 
iToth go to defend this banner, and carry it where victory awaits 
us. In the name of the Lord we will set up our banner. My 
heart is full, and grows fuller still as I look upon this flag, and 
this monument to the father of our country, and to the pre- 
sence of these dea^ friends, from whom I am about to separate. 
Friends, I will now say farewell. 

" ' With this' — looking up at the flag, as he grasped it in his 
hand — 'this right arm shall be stronger than ever, and this 
heart shall be more courageous. This shall lead us. Accept 



44 GOING INTO SERVICE. 

my thanks, and the thanks of these brave, good men whom you 
see around you/ 

"Many eyes glistered with tears, as those last words were 
uttered ; for the manner of the speaker moved as much as his 
simple, eloquent speech. At the close the Colonel ^as loudly 
cheered, and also the Sixtieth, the noble regiment which he 
commands/' 

After this delay and ceremony — very gratifying, no doubt, 
to the Colonel and his friends, but so uncomfortable and an- 
noying to the men, that they complained most bitterly — the 
regiment moved towards Washington. While waiting in 
Baltimore for coffee, which was being prepared by the Union 
Relief Association, Colonel Hayward ordered the regiment 
drawn up in line on the platform at the Washington Railroad 
Depot, and set Adjutant Gale to distributing tracts among 
them. The people looked on in wonderful admiration, and 
forthwith named the command, ^' The Pious Regiment V I 
am sorry to say that, as this reputation was built only on a 
surface show, the Sixtieth did not long retain their new name ! 

Arriving in Washington, the regiment was sent into camp 
at Kalarama Heights, distant about three miles from the 
Capitol. I did not participate in any of these New York, 
Baltimore or Washington experiences, but according to all 
accounts was not thereby deprived of any pleasure ! 

I rejoined the regiment on the morning of November 9th, 
at which time I found the men drawn up near the Baltimore 
depot, at Washington, where they had been since daylight, 
waiting for transportation. No one appeared amiable. All 
looked cross, tired, and nervous. Lt. Col. Goodrich was the 
first man I spoke to. He replied to the salutation of " How 
are you?" *' I am d — d mad T' "Not quite as bad as 
that, I guess,'' was the remonstrance. " Yes, full as bad. I 
never was more mad in my life !'' " What appears to be the 
trouble ?" " Trouble enough ! We have got the devilishest 
fool for a colonel that ever lived!" On that point there 
seemed to be entire unanimity, although some were less em- 



GOING INTO SERVICE. 45 

phatic than others in expressing their thoughts; but a great 
many used all the hard and profane words in the language in 
their efforts to relieve their feelings. Quartermaster Merritt 
looked as sorely tried as any of the others, but to appearance 
took a more religious view, for his answer to the same salu- 
tation with which I greeted the Lieut-Colonel, was/'Pray for 
us, Chaplain ! We are in an awful fix ; get us out of it if 
you can V 

How to get out of it, was the chief problem in the Regi- 
ment, from that time till deliverance was accomplished. 



46 RAILROAD DUTY. 



III. 

RAILROAD DUTY. 

The train, for which the regiment was waiting in Washing- 
ton, was ready for it sometime before noon, and late in the 
afternoon landed the Right Wing, consisting of Co.'s ^' B," 
^' G," " E/' " K," '' J);' at the Relay House, and took the 
Left Wing, Co.^s"I," '^F," "A," "H,'' "C," on towards Bal- 
timore, dropping Co. ^^I" about two miles from the Relay, 
Co. "F'' about a mile and a half further on, Co. ^^A" nearly, 
if not quite the same distance beyond, and Co.'s "C" and ^'H'' 
at Jackson's bridge, near the Baltimore city limits. 

This movement was made, and the companies stationed, 
under the supervision of Col. John C. Robinson, of the 1st. 
Regt. Michigan vols., at that time acting Brigadier of all the 
forces on railroad duty. The necessity for such a guard arose 
from the fact that the Potomac was strongly blockaded by the 
rebels, and all Government freight, whether coming from the 
North, East, or West, must pass through Maryland, and over 
this one line of road. Maryland loyalty was not then above 
suspicion ; in fact it was hardly known who, among the masses, 
was for or against the Union. It was important, therefore, 
that a strong force should be put on the road, to make sure 
that it was kept open and undisturbed. At the time we went 
on the road, and for several months after, the following regi- 
ments were doing guard duty between the Relay and Wash- 
ington : Tenth Maine, First Michigan, and First District of 



•RAILROAD DUTY. 47 

Columbia, Volunteers. We relieved the Tenth Maine of their 
posts at and near the Relay, and they went up towards Anna- 
polis Junction. 

About this time the loyal people of Baltimore and vicinity 
were making strong efforts to draw a definite line between 
those who were for and those who were against the Govern- 
ment. A Vigilance Committee was organized, which adopted, 
among other measures, the sending of the following circular 
to such as they had reason to suspect were in sympathy with 
the rebels : 



GOD AND THE UNION. 

iVNCE C 

Baltimore, Md. 



Headquarters of Union Vigilance Committee, | 



Sir: 

As a person favoring Traitors to the Union, you are notified 
that your name is recorded on the List of this Association. 

Your movemeaits are Strictly Watched, and unless you 
change your course and at once give your support to the Union, 
you to ill be dealt with as Si TiaitOY. 

By order of the Committee, 

J. B.j Secretary. 

We arrived at the Relay in a storm. The Colonel took 
shelter in the hotel, and sent the Lieutenant-Colonel to look 
out a camping-ground. The only really suitable place was 
occupied by the Tenth Maine, and we had to content ourselves 
for the night with an open field adjoining. The next day 
was Sunday ; but as it was still storming, we held no service. 
Calling on the Colonel at his hotel, in the morning, he in- 
quired c^ me how the men were getting along ', to which I 
replied that they had^ got their tents up, and were very com- 
fortable ; but that there was a very unhappy feeling against 
him, which, if it proceeded from any mistake or ignorance, 
he had better talk with them about it, and explain, imme- 
I diately, for there was too much unanimity in the dissatisfac- 



48 RAILROAD DUTY. 

tion to justify his passing it unnoticed. He replied that there 
was no ground for dissatisfaction; he had done nothing that 
should give offence, having, in every instance, simply obeyed 
orders, and at all times done the best he could for the comfort 
of the men. I answered that I knew nothing of the circum- 
stances to which he alluded, but that there was a wide differ- 
ence of opinion between him and the command, and that no 
time was to be lost if he wished to disabuse their minds and 
restore their confidence. 

He returned with me to the camp, and made an address to 
the men, desiring me to add a few remarks ; it belonging to the 
Chaplain, he said, " to act as mediator between the Colonel 
and his command.'' 

In the course of his remarks, the Colonel alluding to some ,| 
of the circumstances of which they complained, over which 
he had no control, made use of an expression which pleased 
the boys very much, and was afterwards used by them when- ' 
ever they conversed on anything for which they did not think 
themselves responsible. The weather had 'been bad, apd a 
detention was made by failure to procure the necessary num- 
ber of frogs, a small movable piece of leather attached to the 
belt, and in which the bayonet scabbard is inserted. The 
Colonel's excuse for their chief troubles was : " God sent the ', 
rain ; and the frogs didn't come I" J 

I went as far in the work of reconciliation as I considered 
the circumstances to warrant, by saying to the men that I i 
hoped they would give the Colonel's words all the considera- ' ' 
tion they thought them entitled to, in view of all the facts in i 
the case, known to them, but merely told to me. 

Evidently his words did not reach the point, for the men 
grew more bitter in their feelings against him, and the officers 
more strong in -their determination to solve their problem by 
getting rid of their Colonel, 

Meanwhile we were getting well initiated in railroad guard 
duty. The Tenth Maine moved away, and we burnt up the 
rubbish and laid out a new camp on the ground* they had 



RAILROAD DUTY. 49 

occupied. The Colonel named it Camp Morgan, in honor of 
the Governor. 

Company " B" went up to Ellicott's Mills, on the main stem 
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, six miles west of the 
Relay ; Company " K" went to Fort Dix, close by the camp ; 
Company '' F" moved up to the Turnpike Crossing, about a mile 
from headquarters ; Company ^' D" went down to Mount Clare 
Station ; Company "C" to Camden Station ; and Company ^^T' 
to Locust Point. 

On the 11th, William McDonald, of Company <'F," being 
on duty on the railroad near the Four Mile Station, at about 
three o'clock in the morning, felt faint, and, sitting down to 
recover, became unconscious. The New York express train 
passed while he was in this stupor, and running over one of 
his feet and ankles, made it necessary to amputate his leg just 
below the knee. 

One week from the day of our arrival at the Belay, the 

company ofiicers addressed Colonel Hayward the following 

letter : 

Camp Morgan, Nov. 16, 1861. | 
To Colonel Wm. B. Hayward, 

60th Regt. N. Y. S. V. 

Sir : The undersigned officers of the 60th Regiment N. Y. S 
v., would most respectfully submit to you the following facta. 
By our united efforts we raised a regiment of men in Northern 
New York, from the sturdy farmers, mechanics, hunters and la- 
borers of our own immediate neighborhoods ; men, who felt that 
the call of Country was paramount to all other claims, and they 
left their homes with strong hearts and willing hands, deter- 
mined to do their duty in any contingency. 

You were recommended to these men for their leader, and 
though a stranger, relying upon those recommendations, they re- 
ceived you with open hearts, trusting that you were the man to 
maintain the good reputation of the Regiment, for no men, un- 
drilled, even went into the field with a better reputation, which 
reputation was maintained until we reached Washington. Since 
that time our Regiment has become completely disheartened. The 
5 



60 RAILROAD DUTY. 

following are in our opinion the principal causes. You, Colonel, 
have shown a want of coolness and discretion, an excitability 
and irritability, a disregard for the comfort and welfare of the 
men, and an utter want of humanity, which, combined with your 
overbearing conduct, and lack of common courtesy to the men 
and officers, is the immediate cause of all this dissatisfaction 
and discouragement. In fact the men and officers have entirely 
lost confidence in you as a commander, and the sentiment is 
universal that you are not the man to give them confidence and 
courage in the field. We do not wish to particularize, but your 
sense ought to teach you that you cannot expect men to become 
good and efficient soldiers, with such feelings existing against 
their commandant. We therefore, in view of these facts, most 
respectfully as a body, and as individuals, ask you to resign and 
vacate your position as Colonel of the 60th Regiment N. Y. S. 
V. We ask it as a duty which we owe to the men we have 
"brought into the field, and to the friends they have left behind, 
and to the Northern part of the State of New York, the interests 
of which we represent. We ask this too, as the only possible 
means of restoring confidence and courage to our men, now com- 
pletely broken down and discouraged. 

Yours, respectfully. 

This was signed by all the Captains and Lieutenants. 

The next morning the Colonel sent up the following : ' 

Camp Morgan, Relay House, Nov. 17, 1861. 
To THE Company Commissioned Officers 
of 60th Regt. N. Y. S. V. | 
Gentlemen: The tender of the command of this regiment to 
me, was a surprise. Its acceptance involved the relinquishment : 
of a position in the largest commercial house in the United 
States, and the sacrifice of about five hundred dollars per annum, 
"being the difi'erence between the compensation of the former po- 
sition, and the pay and emoluments of my present rank. It in- 
volved also an increase on the annual premiums of my life po- 
licies to about three hundred and twenty-five dollars per annum, 
if our regiment serves above the 34th degree of north latitude, 
or of six hundred and fifty dollars per annum, if we should be 
ordered south of that degree in the prescribed summer months. 






RAILROAD DUTY. 51 

In addition to all that, (say eleven hunded and fifty dollars per 
annum) the expense of a colonel's outfit has been very consider- 
able, and will amount to some five hundred dollars more the 
first year. 

Since I have had command of the regiment, my every solici- 
tude has been for the procurement at the earliest possible moment 
of every article to vrhich every Commissioned, Non-commissioned 
Officer and Private is entitled. But as, since vv^e have been as- 
signed to a brigade, it has been ordered that all of our requisi- 
tions of every kind shall be approved, first by myself, second by 
the Acting Brigadier, and third by the Division Commander, 
some delay must necessarily occur before all that the regiment 
is entitled to shall be procured. 

The Adjutant, Quartermaster, and Non-commissioned stafi", 
have exerted, and are exerting themselves to the utmost to pro- 
cure the necessary blanks, for requisitions, books, stationery, 
fuel, subsistence, clothing, arms, — in fact everything pertaining 
to a regiment. 

A comparison of the condition of regiments which have been 
in the field for weeks or months, with ours so recently ar- 
rived, is unjust to every Field and Stafi" Officer of our Regi- 
ment, who are faithfully executing their several duties with all 
the facility the forms and routine of office at Washington will 
permit. 

It would be more just to compare the condition of this regi- 
ment with that of the Seventh New York Militia, or the other 
three-months' men, who first took the field ; but especially with 
others from New York who immediately preceded or followed us. 
The comparison will inure to our benefit. 

With respect to the various means of transportation from 
Ogdensburgh to Washington, and here, they were made by 
order of the Quartermaster's Department of the State of New 
York, and of the United States — I only having the privilege of 
insisting upon "two cars" to each company, and the freight- 
car, and car for field and staff, wherever I could do so success- 
fully. 

In regard to orders to move to Kalarama, and from there here, 
they were imperative from Gen. Casy and Gen. Marcy — the lat- 
ter the chief of staff of Gen. McClellan. We were not consulted 



52 RAILROAD DUTY, 

as to location, or length of time to continue. We have received 
orders, and have obeyed orders of our superiors, as bound' 
to do. 

It is incumbent on you to impress upon your companies that 
the colonel, or any of the field or staff, can have no choice as to 
brigade, division, location, or time to march ; and that ^xe must 
hold ourselves in readiness to go wherever we are ordered, and 
when we are ordered, with great promptness. 

I have made a report to the Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen- 
eral of Acting Brigadier Robinson's Brigade, relative to our 
duties, and the excessive nature of it, which I have withheld for 
your perusal, in order that you might communicate the sub- 
stance of it to your several companies. 

Since I have been on duty with you, I have been suflfering 
much anxiety for the good of the regiment, in all respects, and 
I have also been a sufferer physically ; so much so that, in civil 
life, I should have confined myself to the house for cure. These 
causes, added to the oft-told story that the regiment were 
blaming me for every want, for every movement, and the dis 
comforts arising from the weather sent from God, have doubt- 
less caused a degree of irritation, which I regret. ,, 

The officers may, however, judge from the spontaneous offering 
of ALL the firm and employees of Stone, Starr & Co., in the gift 
of the flag ; from the unanimity of those with whom I was more 
immediately associated at A. T. Stewart & Co.'s, in the gift of 
the sword I wear ; and from the gift of a flag by Mrs. A. T. Stew- 
art, at the hands of Mr. Stewart, that, in the future, and when 
we become more settled, the Colonel will render to every one in 
the regiment the respect due to him as a soldier and geaile. 
man. 

In closing his communication. Col. Hayward would say, that 
it is his desire, if possible, to win the love and the attachment 
of every individual member of his command, so far as he has 
opportunity to do so, and so far as he can do so in consistence 
w^ith Revised Army Regulations, and the Rules and Articles of 
War, to which he specially directs the attention of every officer 
to whom this is addressed. 

You, gentlemen, have the eyes of the State of New York — your 
birth Stat© — upon you. I have the eyes of Maryland, my birth- 



RAILROAD DUTY. ^. 

State — and of New York, my adopted mother State since the 
spring of 1843 — upon me. Thus I have a double incentive to 
the performance of every duty. Therefore, desiring your co- 
operation, and with a firm reliance upon Divine strength cmd 
wisdom, let us eimdaie each other in gaining military know- 
ledge, and in personal prowess upon the field of battle. 
Respectfully yours, 

W. B. HAYWARD, 

Colonel Commanding. 

On the 19th of November, the first death ocenrred in the 
regiment. Early in the morning Henry W. Powers, Drum- 
mer of Company " G," died of inflammation of the bowels. He 
had been very sick for several days, and his condition required 
that he should be buried immediately. Just at sunset, all 
things being in readiness, we bore his remains to the Metho- 
dist burying-ground at Elkridge Landing, a mile from camp, 
and laid them to rest. The attendance at this funeral waa 
uncommonly large. Company ^' C" coming up in a body from 
their camp, and all the ofiicers and men who were off duty at 
headquarters, being present. It was a new and strange thing 
then. Alas ! we little thought how common it would yet be 
to us ! 

On the 20th, the following circular was sent to the com- 
pany commanders. It was originally prepared, I believe, at 
the Railroad Superintendent's Office, for the instruction of 
Colonel Hayward, and by him put in the form presented here. 
The Colonel fancied that he had discovered a great conspiracy 
to destroy the road, and one morning called on Mr. Smith, the 
Master of Transportation, before it was fairly light, to make 
a disclosure of his discoveries and suspicions. He was thought 
to be a little wild on the subject, but this document is sup- 
posed to have grown out of that interview : 

5* 



54 RUXROAD DUTY, 

HEADQUARtERS 60tH ReGIMENT, N. Y. 9. VoLS. 

Camp Morgan, near Relay House, 

November 20th, 1861. 

Sir: In order to more eifectually carry out the important 
duties assigned to you -vrith your command, you will hereafter 
observe the following points : — 

1st. All Bridges and Culverts between the Relay House, at 
"Washington Junction, and the three city stations of the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad Company, at Baltimore, namely: "Mount 
Clare," "Camden Street" and "Locust Point," must be carefully 
observed, particularly between the hours of sunset and sunrise. 
The most important of these structures are, first, the Carrollton 
Viaduct, or stone arch bridge, over Gwinn's Falls, at the city 
limits, near Mount Clare and Locust Point Junctions ; second, 
the Iron Truss Suspension Bridge, over Carey Street, Baltimore, 
between Mount Clare Junction and Mount Clare Station ; and 
third, the Long Wooden Trestling on the Locust Point Road, 
near the Locust Point Station. Besides these principal struc- 
tures, there are numerous Stone Culverts intermediately at vari- 
ous intervals, at any of which mischief may be done by the use 
of powder or other agencies. 

2d. All the Switches, especially those upon the Main Track, 
between the city limits and the Relay Junction, should be care- 
fully observed, particularly from sunset to sunrise. The chang- 
ing of a switch leading from the main track, may be done silently 
and unobserved, unless prevented by the exercise of constant 
vigilance. Serious calamities, particularly to troop trains, in- 
volving large loss of life to the soldiers occupying them, may 
ensue from the derangement of a single switch. 

3d. Another form of malicious interference with the track, to 
which your attention is directed, is the Displacement of the Rails. 
This may also be committed by one person, requiring simply, in 
some cases, the withdrawal of the spikes by which the rails are 
fastened to the sills or cross-ties. This is the more dangerous, 
because it would be less likely to be observed or discovered by 
the enginemen, or others in charge of the trains, until too late 
to avoid serious consequences by a run-off of the engine and the 
destruction of property and life that might attend it. Upon 
Curved Places, or near a Culvert or Cattle Stop, or upon Em- 



RAILROAD DUTY. 55 

bankments, this form of interference with the road would be 
most disastrous, and, consequently, most likely to be attempted. 

4th. Another, and perhaps the- readiest source of malicious 
injury to the road — against which it will be your duty to guard 
it — is the Placing of Obstructions upon or between the Rails. 
The placing of a cross-tie, an old rail or other lumber, or metal, 
or stone, which may be often found convenient to the road-side, 
is readily calculated to throw off a train and blockade the road, 
with serious consequences. 

In order to prevent, however, the possibility of any injury, 
derangement, or obstruction to the track, or bridges, or any por- 
tion of the same under your charge, it will be best to require 
your sentinels and pickets to challenge and warn off all suspicious 
persons who may attempt to occupy, or even walk along the 
track. As the road-bed and the tracks upon it are the private 
property of the Railroad Company, and not a public highwaj"-, 
(except for the trains operated by them,) no right exists on the 
part of others to use the road as a highway, or to occupy it for 
private purposes. 

As a subject of incidental interest to the Government, you 
will direct your guard at Locust Point and Mount Clare, in 
charge of the bridges near those places, to give attention to the 
loaded cars that may stand during the night in their vicinity. 
The contents of the greater number of these cars, being the pro- 
perty of the Government in transitu, embracing much powder, 
valuable ammunition, and equipments and packages of every 
description, it is of course desirable that they should not be mo- 
lested, in any form, by wilful persons. 

In moving your officers and men from one position to another, 
in cases requiring the use of a passenger train, you will see that 
they confine themselves to the Accommodation, known as the 
Ellicott's Mills Train. As this passes over your part of the line 
four times daily, in each direction, at good intervals, it ought to 
afford sufficient facilities for your objects. It is desired that you 
will not stop any other passenger trains, especially those to and 
from Washington, at intermediate points, unless upon some very 
urgent necessity. 

In the performance of all these duties, you will directly, or 
through your officers, confer from time to time with the Agents 



66 RAILROAD DUTY. 

of the Railroad Company respectively as follows : Mr. A. J. 
Fairbank, Mount Clare Station ; J. T. England, Agent at Cam- 
den Station ; J. D. McKean, Agent at Locust Point. The officer 
in charge of the Track, throughout your limits, is Mr. Frederick 
Theimeyer, Supervisor of Road. The object of such iuteicourse j 
as is here suggested, is simply that you may avoid any interfer- 
ence, upon the part of your men, -vrith the prompt operation of \ 
the road, and to insure a mutual facility in furthering your ob- 
jects, as well as those of the Railroad Company. 

WM. B. HAYWARD, 
Col. Commanding 60th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols. 

On the 27th we moved camp, for the purpose of being 
nearer the centre of our line, and established headquarters 
near Jackson's bridge, where Major Brundage had been, in 
charge of the left wing, ever since we came on the road. Camp 
Rathbone, was the name Col. Hayward gave it, in honor of 
Brig. Gen. Rathbone, of Albany. In communicating the 
name to me, that I might inform the men how to put the 
proper heading on the letters they should send home, the 
colonel was very particular to spell it, to guard against mis- 
take. In spite of his precautions, however, a letter was re- 
ceived in S. few days, directed to Camp Wrathburn ! It made 
some laugh, and considering the state of feeling towards the 
colonel, was not incongruous. 

The officers had expected that the colonel would take further 
notice of their letter, but as he did not, they sent the follow- 
ing to Col. Robinson. 

Nov. 23, 1861. 
Colonel John C. Robinson. 

Sir: On the 16th day of Nov. inst., the undersigned officers of 
the 60th Regt. N. Y. S. V., respectfully addressed a letter tp 
Colonel William B. Hayward, commanding the 60th Regt. N. Y 
S. V. of which the following is a copy. * * * * 

To this letter we have had no reply unless a communication 
addressed to the officers, in which no allusion was made to our 



. \ 



RAILROAD DUTY, 57 

letter, inight be considered a reply. We have waited patiently 
for Col. Ilayward to give us an answer, at the same time hoping 
that a better state of feeling might exist, and a stronger faith 
in our colonel might result from delay. This hope has failed ; 
this faith can accomplish nothing. We have now nothing left us 
to do but to complain to you as our acting brigadier, reaffirming 
all contained in our letter, and adding that unless some immedi- 
ate action is taken in this matter, our Kegiment in which we 
once took so much pride, and for which we hoped so much, must 
become completely disorganized, and our men, the best in our 
part of the State, in whom we had so much confidence, will be- 
come entirely worthless as soldiers. 

We therefore, without preferring specific charges against Col. 
Hay ward, most respectfully ask you to inquire into the condition 
of our Regiment, and give us such counsel as you may judge our 
case demands. Yours, respectfully. 

Soon after this letter was sent, we were visited by Hon. 
Preston King and General Patrick, who came to satisfy them- 
selves concerning our condition. Not long afterwards Col. 
Piobinson came into camp, and advised Col. Hayward to re- 
sign. The advice was not immediately followed ; the Colonel, 
I believe, thinking that the men would yet give him their 
confidence as before, and the officers withdraw their opposi- 
tion. To realize his hopes he spared no efforts, but exerted 
himself to the utmost to procure everything necessary for the 
command ; and giving his personal attention to the drill of 
the men, sought to make everything move pleasantly and in 
harmony. It is my opinion that he would have succeeded if 
the officers had not already carried the matter so far ; but they 
were determined that he should not succeed ; and the men, 
catching their spirit, and judging that the colonel was now 
over-doing the amiable, made fun of his drill, and strengthened 
their desire for a change. 

On the 28th, a sad affair occurred at Ellicott's Mills. The 
loyal people of that place had organized a ^^home guard'.' 
One of the members wanted to try his skill at pushing bay- 



58 RAILROAD DUTY. 

onets with Simeon Fishbeck, of Company " B." Getting tireo 
of this, he, in a playful manner, snapped his unloaded gun at 
Fishbeck ; who, thinking his gun also unloaded, snapped it 
in return, when, it proving to be loaded, he discharged its con- 
tents through Knight just below his collar-bone. He sur- 
vived till the next day. The following order was issued, and 
the annexed report subsequently made 

Headquarters 60th Regt. N. Y. S. Vols., ) 
Camp Rathbone, Dec. 4, 1861. ) 
Orders No. 36. 

A Court of Inquiry, to consist of 

Capt Hyde, Company " E," 
Lieut. White, Company " H,'* 
Lieut. Shedd, Company ** I,^' 
will proceed by the earliest train to-morrow to EUicott's Mills, 
and fully, carefully, and deliberately investigate the manner and 
cause of the death of Private William Knight, of the Patapsco 
Guard, said to have been caused at the hands of one of the pri- 
vates of Company "B,'' of the Sixtieth Regiment N.Y. S. Vols. 
They will call and examine witnesses, and will report all the 
facts, and circumstances, and testimonies minutely in writing to 
these headquarters, and give the opinion of the Court in the case: 
By order of 

WILLIAM B. HAYWARD, 

Colonel Commanding. 
R. C. Gale, Adjutant. 

Ellicott's Mills, Md., Dec. 5, 1861. 
The necessities of the public service demanded the postpone- 
ment of the above inquiry until the present date, and the Court 
assembled at this place at three o'clock p.m. 

The following order was then read : 

» Headquarters 60th Regt. N. Y. S. Vols 

Camp Rathbone, near Baltimore, 

December 6, 1861 
Special Order No. 10. 

The Court* of Inquiry, of which Capt. W. H. Hyde, of Com- 
pany " E," this regiment, is President, having been prevented by 



:1 



RAILROAD DUTY. 59 

other official business from convening at Ellicott's Mills yester- 
day, will assemble there at three o'clock this day, and will con- 
tinue their sessions as long after three o'clock as the importance 
of the case and the exigencies of the case may require. 

By order of 

WILLIAM B. HAYWARD, 

Colonel 60th Regt. N. Y. S. V. 

The Court met pursuant to the above order. 

Present. 
Capt. W. H. Hyde, Company " E," - 
Lieut. L. E. White, Company " H," 
Lieut. L. M. Shedd, Company " I." 

Proceedings. 
The Recorder administered the oath to the other members of 
the Court, and the President administered the oath to the 
Recorder, after which the evidence was taken. 

STATEMENT OF THE ACCUSED, 

« SIMEON FISHBECK. 

On the morning of November 27, I was doing duty as guard 
at Ellicott's Mills. I went on from 5 to 8 "on the evening of the 
26th. I procured a man to go on for me from 12 to 2. When I 
came off at 8, I put my gun in the corner so that I should know 
where to find it. The gun was not loaded, as I had no order to 
load, and no ammunition to load it with. I went on at 5 o'clock 
on the morning of the 27th. I went to the corner where I put 
my gun. It was dark in the room. I reached for my gun, but 
did not notice particularly if it was my own gun; there were 
two or three guns in the corner. I went out and relieved the 
sentry on the bridge. About 8 oiclock I saw one of the Patapsco 
Guards coming toward me on double quick. He stopped about 
eight feet from me, and charged bayonets on a small boy. A 
number of citizens stood about. The man stepped up to me and 
said, " Let's show them how to charge bayonets.'^ We placed 
the muzzles of our guns to each other's breasts, and pushed each 



60 RAILROAD DUTY. 

other with our guns. He cocked his gun, and I did the same.!, 
We both snapped guns. The gun I had went off. He fell on hiss 
right knee, and held his gun in Jiis left hand. I dropped my. 
gun and stepped forward to support him. He said, " You havee 
shot me, but it was an accident." I told him, "I guess not;: 
try and get up." -^He said, " Carry me to some corner, and la-y, 
me down to die." A man came up, and we took him to the? 
quarters of Company "B," Sixtieth Regiment N. Y. S. V. Hee 
afterward said to me, " It was an accident." It was entirelyv 
accidental on my part. I supposed that I had my own gun.. 
I knew that my gun was not loaded. 

All the evidence tended to corroborate the above statement.. 
The statement of the accused having closed, the President ordered l 
the Court to be cleared, and the proceedings were then read to 
the Court by the Recorder. 

Findings of the Court. 

The Court, after mature deliberation on the testimony ad- 
duced, respectfully report: 

That Private William H. Knight, of the Independent Patapseo) 
Guard, came to his death at EUicott's Mills, Md., by a gueiohokt 
wound at the hands of Private Simeon Fishbeck, of Company il 
" B," Sixtieth Regiment New York State Volunteers 

The opinion of the Court having been ordered, the fol3i)wing ; 
is their opinion in the case : 

That the shooting of Private William H. Knight by Private i 
Simeon Fishbeck was unintentional on the part of the acci7.Bod. 

Capt. WILLIAM H. HYDE, President. 
Lieut. LYMAN M. SHEDD, Recorder. 

While we were at this camp an incident occurred which 
made a great deal of merriment at the time, and at the re- 
membrance and the recital of it, many a hearty laugh has 
been had since. Colonel Hayward brought with him from 
Nev/ York, a negro named Philip Lee, who, in his way, was 
quite a genius, especially well skilled in getting up good 



RAILROAD DUTY. 61 

things in the culinary line. Philip had occasion one morning, 
while preparing his master's breakfast, to go outside the lines 
for a pail of water. The guards were instructed to pass no 
OHO out unless they had a written pass, and poor Philip spon 
found an obstruction. He remonstrated a long time, but the 
guard was inexorable, and Philip could not get away till, after 
a long time, the officer of the .guard came round and passed 
him out. Meanwhile the Colonel had got up, had several 
times called loudly for Philip, but received no answer. I 
happened to come out of my tent just as the negro recrossed 
the lines on his return with the water. Waiting till he got 
in speaking distance, I told him to hurry up, for the Colonel 
had called him several times and was getting impatient. " See 
here, Cap'n Eddy,'^ said Philip, " he ken holler jes' as much, 
as him please ! He tink one man's goin' to do tree or four 
men's work ! ^Sides he dun gone an' made a requisition on 
de guard, and how's I goin' to get out to get de water V 

A '* requisition on de guard" was the apology for many a 
delinquency thereafter ! 

I commenced service as Postmaster of the regiment on the 
11th of November, and kept account of all the letters mailed 
by me during the month. They amounted to 1533, from 
about one-half of the command ; the other half, being near 
established post offices, mailed their's direct, and sent perhaps 
quite as many more. Letters from home did not come in such 
large quantities. Something was wrong, and to see what it 
was, I went to the General Post Office at Washington, on the 
second of December. There I found too many to count, but, 
in quantity, about two bushels ! 

On the 5th of December, we had our first visit from the 
Paymaster, Major Smith, who paid us up to November 1st. 
Some of the companies received but little, and none of them 
had two full months' pay ; but, out of the amount received, 
the following sums were sent home. From Field and Staff 
Officers, ^550; from Company '^A," 81.324 ; Company ^' B,'' 



62 RAILROAD DUTY. 

$840; Company "C/' $700; Company '^D;' $1,243.23; 
Company "E/' $1,106.92; Company " F," $295; Company 
"G," $375.25; Company ^' H," $556; Company "I," $598; 
Coippany " K," $853.95. Making a total of eight thousand 
five hundred and three dollars, and sixty-two cents. 

On the 10th, we moved camp again. The ground we were 
on was wet and springy, so we crossed the railroad, and also 
the Washington Turnpike, and pitched camp on a hillside 
fronting Patapsco Bay, and the principal portion of the city 
of Baltimore. The name of the former camp was retained. 
At the foot of the hill was a small pond used as an ice-field 
by the Susquehanna Ice Company, but from which they 
gathered no ice that winter. Just across the inlet of this 
pond was a large brick building, then unused, but previously 
occupied as a distillery. A story was in circulation, and 
generally believed, I think, in camp, that a military prison 
had formerly been erected by the British on the site of this 
building, and that in digging to lay the foundation of this 
distillery, hand-cufi's. and other manacles had been found 
among the former ruins. I have recently had some curiosity 
to inquire into the matter, and am well convinced that the 
story was not true. 

On the 11th we had the second death in the regiment. 
Henry W. Dunn, of Co. '^C died of typhoid fever, at Capt. 
Kedington's quarters in the city. His body was sent home 
for burial. Capt. Eedington's proceedings in the matter, he 
having made all necessary arrangements without consulting 
Col. Hayward, gave great ofi"ence to the latter, and incited 
him to arrest the captain for alleged disobedience of orders in 
permitting his guard to leave their posts, for a short time, on 
Thanksgiving Day, for the purpose of dining at the captain's 
quarters. At the same time Co. " C " was relieved by Co. 
"H" from duty at Camden Station, and sent up to the Four 
Mile Station, distant that far from the city. On pitching 
camp, the captain, desirous of expressing his opinion of the 



RAILROAD DUTY. 63 

move, named the place Camp Fidgety ! The * colonel soon 
ordered the name changed to Camp Hobart. In retaliation 
for his arrest Capt. Redington preferred charges against the 
colonel for drawing a pistol on one of the guard. The colonel 
sent the charges, as in duty bound, to his acting brigadier, 
but accompanied them with a letter, explaining- that what he 
did as charged, was done while instructing the guard, who was 
careless on his post, and by way, simply, of showing him how 
easily he might be surprised. Col. liobinson read the charges, 
'but took no further notice of them. 

Captain Redington's sword was shortly after restored to him, 
-and he was ordered to duty. 

On the night of the 11th, between 11 and 12 o'clock, our 
camp was alarmed by a terrible explosion, evidently quite 
near, followed by a whistling noise in the air, muQh resembling 
that caused by the passage of a bomb, which Col. Hayward 
felt quite confident it was. A corporal in charge ef a relief 
guard was going the rounds with his squad, when the strange 
noise-maker fell on their path, and only about three feet in 
their rear. They also thinking it a bomb, got out of tlie way 
in a " double quick." No explosion following, the corporal 
reported that something had fallen near him, and was sent by 
the colonel to ascertain what it was. He returned bringing a 
piece of locomotive boiler-flue about three feet long, and 
weighing ten or fifteen pounds. As it was still very hot, we 
of course concluded that the explosion took place not far from 
us, and at once as many as were up went down to the track, 
about a hundred yards from camp. While going down the 
side of the deep cut through which the road here passes, I came 
upon the body of a man, horribly mutilated, his countenance 
so disfigured as to have but little of a human appearance re- 
maining. He had evidently been blown into the air, and to 
such an elevation that coming down feet first, both legs were 
driven into the mud to some distance above his knees. The 
man had on a soldier's uniform, but we never learned what 



64 RAILROAD DUTV. 

regiment or State he l>elonged to. The locomotive, one of the 
kind called " camel back/' lay upon the side of the track, a 
wreck. Fragments of it were strewn in every direction, some 
to the distance of four hundred feet. The engineer was found 
two hundred and sixty-four feet from tl:^e track, having been 
thrown, before striking the ground, through the top of a large 
tree, breaking off in his passage limbs of the tree three inches 
in diameter. The dome of the engine, weighing at least eight 
hundred lbs., was found twenty-five feet beyond the engineer. 
The fireman remained at the tender, but was so badly scalded 
that he survived but a few hours. Capt. Ransom was stand- 
ing with one foot on the step of the engine, having got on 
only a few moments before for the purpose of riding down a 
mile or more to visit his guard. He was thrown on the side 
of the track, but received no injury. A most surprising 
escape ! 

The following letter was received a few days after its date, 
and in a short time the boxes came to hand. They contained 
more than enough for Company "A," and their contents were 
shared by many others. 

Canton, December 11th, 1861. 
To Rev. R. Eddy, " - 

Chaplain of the 60th Regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers : 
Dear Sir: We send you by railroad, this day, two boxes of 
clothing, for the comfort of the soldiers of the 60th Regiment. 
You will find a list of the articles contained in them underneath 
the cover of each box. Many of the packages are directed par- 
ticularly to friends. You will, of course, se'e that they are dis- 
tributed to the rightful owners. The rest we leave to your own 
good judgment to distribute as you shall see fit. Our preference 
is with Company " A," as far as they are in need. We hope 
they will be pleased with the mittens. You will find a small 
quantity of hospital clothing in the square box. If what we 
have sent, can add to the comfort of even a few of the soldiers, 



RAILROAD DUTY. 65 

we shall feel amply compensated. We think of you all, and 
pray for your success. 

In behalf of the Ladies' Volunteer Aid Society, of Canton, 
Yours, very truly, 

ELVIIIA L. GOODRICH, 

Secretary. 

About this time we began to have a great deal of sickness. 
On the 6thj we had 30 sick, and on the 22d, the number had 
increased to 160 ; at least two-thirds of the number were 
measle cases. Two brick dwellings, near the camp, were 
rented for hospital purposes, which, as also our large hospital 
tents, were soon filled up. Several of the kind and liberal 
ladies of Baltimore found out our condition, and paid us fre- 
quent visits, bringing delicacies and comforts for our sick. 
Mrs. S. W. Kuster, now the matron of the Jarvis Hospital, in 
Baltimore, was one of the number ; her interest in our welfare 
prompting her to constant efforts for our good. Her ^are did 
not cease with the abatement of the sickness, but was con- 
stantly manifest in some tender manner during the whole of 
our stay in the neighborhood of Baltimore. If any of our 
sick were sent to the general hospitals in the city, as it became 
necessary many should be, her cheerful fy.ce was soon seen 
among them, and her heart and hands ministered to their 
wants. She Ifecame especially attached to the members of 
the Band, and her house was their home, where she taught 
them to call her Mother, and they cheerfully and gladly 
obeyed ! After the regiment went into more dangerous ser- 
vice her solicitude»4bllowed it, and when any of our sick were 
Vvithin her reach she spared no pains to find them out, and, if 
possible, alleviate their condition. That one is a member of 
the Sixtieth New York, will always make them welcome under 
her roof, and insure the kindest care if they are in sickness or 
trouble. All honor to her as a true and noble woman ! 

On the 17th, Aaron Geer, of Company " D," died at Regi- 
mental Hospital, of typhoid fever. On the 18th, James 



B6 RAILROAD DUTlf. 

Kavanagh, of the same Company, died in the hospital tent, of 
congestion of the brain and lungs, following measles. Both 
were buried at Loudon Park Cemetery, near Baltimore. On 
the 10th, Samuel P. Melvin, of Company " E," died of con- 
gestion, following measles ; and on the 20th, Mortimore Ste- 
yens, of Company " F,'' died from the same cause ; both at 
Regimental Hospital. On the 22d, Hugh Adrian, of Com- 
pany " F," died at National Hotel Hospital, in Baltimore, of 
typhoid fever. The remains of these last three were sent to 
their respective homes for burial. On the 31st, Holley E. 
Meacham, of Company " K," died at Regimental Hospital, 
of bronchitis. He was buried at Loudon Park Cemetery. 
Young Meacham had been in the hospital tent several days 
before his condition was considered critical; and after his 
removal to the building, it was thought that even if he did 
not recover, he would linger along several weeks. Great was 
the surj3rise of the attendants, therefore, to notice, on the 
second morning after his removal, that he was evidently dying. 
He was conscious of the change that was coming, and desired 
that I should be sent for ; but as I had gone up the line to 
distribute mail, and could not be reached in season, one of the 
nurses performed such religious services as were desired, 
greatly to the comfort of the dying man, who breathed his 
last just as I entered the room. • 

I mailed this month, for the five companies at headquarters, 
4917 letters. 

As December closed with a death, so January and the new 
year dawned upon us with another. Lew^P Duprey, of Com- 
pany " A," had been down with the measles a day or two only, 
and was supposed, at 10 o'clock on the night of December 
31st, to be doing remarkably well. Some two hours after, 
one of the sick in the room with him noticed a peculiarity in 
his breathing, and, on attempting to rouse him, found that 
congestion had so far set in, that he was already beyond 
medical aid. He died before the first hour of the new year 



RAILROAD DUTY. 



6? 



had closed. He was buried at Loudon Park Cemetery, as 
also was Meacham. 

On the 1st, Col. Hay ward wrote and forwarded a letter, of 
which he gave me the following copy : 

Headquarters GOth TtEOT. N. Y. S. Yols.,1 

Camp IvATnBOXE, NEAR BALTiiiORE, y 

January 1st, 1862. J 

Colonel John C. IIobinson, 

Cornd'g Hallway Brigade, Annapolis Junction. 

Sir : Considerations of a private nature influence me to ten- 
der through you, to His Excellency E. D. Morgan, Governor of 
the State of New York ; to Major-General George B. McClelian, 
Commanding Army of the Potom.ac ; or to the Adjutant-General 
U. S. Army, my resignation of the commission of Colonel of the 
Sixtieth Regiment New York State Volunteers. 

From the date of the commission until the present moment, I 
have the innate consciousness of having faithfully obeyed every 
superior order, and of having conformed, in spirit and letter, to 
Revised Army Regulations, and to the Articles of War. 

The love of country beats as warmly in my heart now as when 
a young Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army, and as when, 
having declined the Colonelcy of another Regiment from con- 
scientious motives, I sacrificed private and pecuniary considera- 
tions to accept this position. 

Need I therefore say that when my services are demanded by 
my country in any exigency, I shall be ready to make any sacri- 
fice for that sake. 

I have the honor to be, with much respect, 
Yoar most obedient servant, 

AY. B. IIAYWARD, 

Colonel GOth Regiment N. Y. S. Yols. 

On the same day I made the fullowing report: 



68 RAILROAD DUTY* 

Headquarters 60th Regt. N. Y. S. V. 

Camp Rathbone, near Baltimore, Md. 

January 1st., 1862. 

To Col. Wm. B. IlAVVrARD, 

Commanding 60th Regiment New York State Yohmteers. 

My DrfAR Sir : It is set forth in the Act of Congress of July 
22(1, 1861, that the Regimental Chaplain shall be required to 
report to the colonel commanding the regiment to -which he is 
attached, at the end of each quarter,;the moral and religious con- 
dition of the regiment, and such suggestions as may conduce to 
the social happiness and moral improvement of the troops. i 

Having a desire to comply with this requirement, I ofier you 
the following brief statements and considerations: 

1st. I cannot speak from actual knowledge of even the appa- 
rent moral and religious condition of any considerable number 
of the regiment. Our guard duty has so isolated the companies 
from each other, and placed them at such various distances from ; 
headquarters, as to render it wholly impossible for me to inti- 
mately know the condition of many. 

2d. For the same reason as at first given it has been deemed 
impracticable to attempt even to devise any general plan of social ^ 
intercourse, or of moral and religious culture. We have been 
wanting also in the convenience of room for the trial of any ex- 
periment based on associated action, such as Conference or Prayer 
Meetings, Singing School or other social gatherings. 

3d. Notwithstanding the difficulties in the way — and some of 
them wholly beyond our control — I have some data from which 
to deduce one or two quite apparent facts, the mention of which 
may in some degree discharge the legal duty incumbent upon 
me. At one time since our entering this campaign, the sin of 
profanity was evidently on the increase, so much that I had de- 
termined on calling j^our attention to the necessity of enforcing 
the penalties laid down in the Articles of/ War against this most 
inexcusable crime. But I am happy to say that there is good 
reason to believe that a change for the better has been attempted 
within a few days. Good advice and friendly persuasion have 
availed with some, a change in the example of superiors has in- 
fluenced others, while not a few, it is to be hoped, from reasons 
of love to God, and a desire to do His will by putting to noble 
uses the manhood He has given them, have been induced to at- 



• RAILROAD DUTY. 69 

tempt to redeem tliemselves from this sinful habit. Appearances 
indicate that the attempt is in a good measure successful. I 
trust that it will bo continued. 

While, therefore, I have in noway changed my opinion of the 
justice or propriety of the manner in which this sin is treated 
by the Articles of War, I have not felt that it was my duty to 
make a formal request or suggestion for the strict enforcement , 
of the articles. Profanity is a habit more difficult to break aAvay 
from than any other to the workings of which I have given any at- 
tention. Between thinking and acting there is often greater op- 
portunity for the sober second thought, than there is between 
thinking and speaking. Hence it is more difficult to overcome 
the habit of evil speech than to overcome the habit of evil ac- 
tion. Hence, too, the greater demand for patience and forbear- 
ance with those who sometimes stumble and fall, however honest 
their efforts to put a guard over their lips. » 

4th. There is no inconsiderable amount of religious thought 
and feeling among the men under your command, and I have 
yet to be informed of the first attempt to ridicule religious doc- 
trines, or make light of, or place barriers in the way of any religi- 
ous exercises. The attendance on Divine Service on the Sabbath, 
is, all things considered, as large as could be expected. The de- 
portment and attention is praiseworthy and commendable. 

In conclusion, I have no special suggestion to offer. If, on 
our going into barracks, an opening for social, moral or religious 
improvement by means of meetings or other associated effort, 
shall seem to offer, I am confident from your often manifest sym- 
pathy and co-operation that I may at the time expect you to ap- 
prove whatever may commend itself as being wise and desirable. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
KICHARD EDDY, Chaplain 60th N. Y. S. V. 



A singular epidemic, or monomania, prevailed in the Regi- 
ment during this and the preceding month, with occasional 
manifestations thereafter. It always happened while the 
men were on guard, and consisted in the soldiers carrying 
their rifles in such a way as to shoot off their own thumbs 



70 RAILROAD DUTY* 

and fingers. Six or eight of the men were affected by it. It 
would, of course, be unfair to say Cliat the occurrences were 
not purely accidental ; but it may remotely insinuate some- 
thing to remark that, after it was ascertained that the lo?"; 
of fingers in that way would not entitle one to an honorable 
discharge from the army, the practice fell into disuse. i 

On the 3d, we got the first snow of the season. J[t re- 
mained on the ground but a few hours, and was followed by 
such a profusion of rain, frost and thaw, as made the mud 
knee-deep at Camp Rathbone during the rest of our stay there. 
It was a very disagreeable place ; but the erection of barracks 
having been commenced on the 1st, we patiently waited their 
completion. Patience was severely tried, for the elements 
contended against the workmen ; and when one of the build- 
ings was all raised, and partly completed, the winds attacked 
it one night, and upset everything. The boys got together 
in the morning, and exclaiming, among other things, as they 
stood there in the storm, ''Oh! what a fall is there, my 
countrymen V followed the example of Robert Bruce's spider, 
and tried it again ! 

• I find, by reference to my diary, that I ascertained on my 
visit to the sick, on Sunday, the 5th, that there were no new 
cases of measles, and that the sick were all improving. Hap- 
pily this continued to be true. 

On the night of the 8th, Edwin H. Porter, of Company 
" H,'' came to his death in a shocking manner. He was on 
duty between Bailey's Crossing and Camden Station, when, 
getting careless, he sat down on the track and fell asleep. A 
freight train coming in, he was not discovered by the engineer 
in season to stop the train till the engine and five cars had 
passed over him. His body was horribly cut and mangled. 
A coroner's inquest was held, and a verdict of " accidental 
death'' rendered, which exonerated the employees of the road 
from all blame. We buried him at Loudon Park Cemetery. 
Our religious service on Sunday, the 12th, was preceded 



l^ILROAD DUTY. 71 

I by a dress parade, at which the following was read by Adju- 
tant Gale, by order of Lieittenant-Co-lonel (jroodrich : 

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, 

Washington, January 8th, 1862. 
, Special Orders. No. 8. 
4f -.^ -;f * * •• * 

[ 2. The following named officers having tendered their resigna- 
tions, are honorably discharged from the military service of the 
I United States. . * "^ ^ * 

I * * Colonel Wm. 13. Ilayward, 60th New York Volunteers. 
By command of Major-General McClellau. 

S. WILLIAMS, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 
OfficiciL 

E. D. JUDD, 

Act. Asst. Adj't-General, 

Railway Brigade. 

The Colonel was not present at the time this order was re- 
ceived, nor when it was read. Tie came on the ground shortly 
after, and was very indignant, justly so, I think, that it had 
I been promulgated in his absence, as it cut him off from all 
! opportunity to enter upon the regimental records such remarks, 
[ iu an additional Order, as would have been gratifying to him, 
j in explaining his position, and have enabled him to take a 
I formal leave of the command. As he was a civilian from the 
, moment of the promulgation of the Order, he had no special 
\ rights in the camp; so, silently packing up his things, he left 
us on Monday, unnecessarily humiliated and mortified. 

On the evening of th-e 1-lth, the officers held a meeting and 
expressed a unanimous desire for the promotion of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Goodrich to the Colonelcy. A petition to this effect, 
signed by all holding commissions, was forwarded to Governor 
Morgan the next day. 

On the 21st, Paymaster A. Y. Elliott brought us our pay 
for the months of November and December. Of the sum 
paid, the following amounts were sent home : By the Field 



72 RAILROAD DUTY 

and Staff Officers, $1,449; members of the Band, $651.G0. 
Company ^^ A,'' $1,763; Compan/"B," $1,200; Company 
"C," $1,000; Company ^^D," $1,777; Company ^'E," $1,579; 
Company " F," $1,000 ; Company " G/' $1,434.30 ; Company 
^'H," $1,435; Company ^a," ^$1,587.25 ; Company " K/' 
$1,630. : Total, sixteen thousand five hundred and six dollars 
and fifteen cents. 

As we now take leave of Colonel W. B. Hayward, I wish 
to record, in justice to him, that after I reported to the regi- 
ment for duty, he invariably treated me with great courtesy 
and kindness. Aiding me in every way in his power by 
efiectively seconding all my plans, he was so jealous of my 
rights that, though disagreeing with me in sentiment, and, of 
course, at perfect liberty to go where he pleased on Sunday, 
he almost uniformly attended religious service at camp ; and 
receiving, as he did from time to time, large quantities of 
religious reading for the use of the men, he placed it all at 
my disposal, and was solicitous that I should, after examina- 
tion, throw aside such as, in my opinion, would be unprofita- 
ble. With his approbation, I rejected everything aimed 
against Roman Catholics, and against my own or any other 
Protestant denomination. Of his sincerity, I entertain no 
doubt, and have as little disposition to believe that he tried to 
do more or less than what he thought was his duty in what- 
ever he attempted for the regiment. 



LIFE IN BARRACKS, 73 



ly. 

LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

On the 22d of January, the barracks were sufficiently near 
completion to justify our moving in, especially as we were 
very uncomfortable in tents. The new quarters had been 
erected near the first location of Camp Rathbone. The build- 
, ings occupied three sides of a square. The base, or officers^ 
quarters, was 210 by 24 feet. The wings, or men's quarters, 
were each 180 by 24 feet. At a short distance before coming 
to the camp was a building 80 by 24 feet, intended for a hos- 
pital, but never used for that purpose, but chiefly by the band, 
as. a practising room ; the two brick buildings, previously 
mentioned, being occupied by the sick during our stay in that 
locality. The entrance to the camp was from the east, and 
between the south end of the eastern building and a small 
house 12 by 24 feet, erected for a guard-house, and generally 
pretty well filled. The buildings on the east and west sides 
of the square accommodated two companies each — the first 
being occupied by Companies '^A" and '^K;" the second by 
Companies ''B"and "(}." These houses were well arranged 
with reference to convenience and comfort; built indeed of 
rough boards, but so lapped in clap-board style as to keep out 
the cold, and sufficiently lighted to make them cheerful. Each 
company had four rooms — one for a general living room, the 
bunks being built up at its sides — one for the orderly and the 
other sergeants, one for company commissary stores, and one 
for a kitchen. 

The officer's building formed the north side of the square, 



74 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

the rooms in it being appropriated thus : The centre to the 
Colonel ; on the left of the centre — first, the Adjutant's Office; 
second, the Major's quarters; thir-d, intended for Surgeon, but 
used as a work-room; fourth and fifth rooms for Captain and 
Lieutenants of Companies ''A" and " K.'* On the right of 
the centre — first, the Adjutant's quarters; second, the Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel's; third, the Chaplain's; fourth and fifth rooms 
for Captains and Lieutenants of Companies "G" and "B;" 
and sixth room for the band. The Sutler's shop was on the 
south end of the west building. The south side of the square 
was open, and the space running back to the Officers^ quar- 
ters was used for a parade. Dress parade was had at four 
o'clock every afternoon, except Sunday, when it was lield at 
eleven in the morning, and followed by the religious services 
of the day. 

In honor of the Senator from New York, who had mani- 
fested so much interest in us, we named this place " Camp 
Preston King." 

In addition to these buildings, one 20 by 60 feet was erected 
at the railroad crossing for quartermasters' and commissary 
stores, containing also an office, kitchen and sleeping-room 
for those employed there. 

Company " I," stationed at Locust Point, found comfortable 
winter quarters in a portion of the St. Charles Hotel, then 
otherwise unoccupied. Company " D " at Mount Clare, fitted 
up one of the engine-houses belonging to the railroad. Com- 
pany " H," at Camden Station, had a portion of their number 
in the upper story of a building mainly occupied by the Union 
Relief Association, and a portion in a brick dwelling at 
Bailey's Crossing. Company " E " erected comfortable bar- 
racks near headquarters, 80 by 24 feet, for the men, and 12 
by 40 feet for the officers, and called the place " Camp Bobin- 
son," for our Brigadier. Company " C" built near the Four- 
Mile Station, and named their place " Camp Loane," for Rev. 
Mr. LoanC; a Methodist clergyman of Baltimore ; an intimate 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 75 

friend of Capt. Redington and Lieut. Hobart. Company '' F" 
put up buildings about a mile east of the Relay, and called 
the place "Camp Elliott/' for tlieir Captain. 

Thus all the Companies were well cared for ; and yet they 
complained, not content with their lot, and thinking they had 
been wronged by being placed on the railroad. If they could 
only- get into the fighting field, they should be abundantly 
satisfied ; at least that was the way nearly all of them talked. 
Although friends at home were satisfied that we were doing 
good service for the Government, and we ourselves knew that 
some one niust do what was now required of us, a few un- 
easy spirits succeeded in producing the general feeling that 
we were on inferior duty, and that for some reason the authori- 
ties at Washington did not think us fit for anything else. 

On the 23d, John F. Forward of Company " K,'^ was on 
guard near Jackson's Bridge. Seeing a train approach on the 
track where he was walking, he stepped ofi" to avoid danger, 
and had hardly crossed the next track when he was hit by a 
train^from the opposite direction, which he had not noticed, 
and was thrown a dozen feet or more, breaking his leg, and 
inflicting several flesh wounds on his face and head. It was 
wonderful that he escaped with so little damage. 

Several in the regiment had an interest in the promotion 
©f Lieutenant-Colonel Goodrich, additional to that of the 
general good, as they too would bo in the line of promotion 
to fill vacancies ; they were therefore looking with great 
anxiety for an early answer to their petition, and were griev- 
ously disappointed, as we all were much surprised, by the 
arrival, on the 27th, of Colonel George Sears Greene, who 
produced a commission from Governor Morgan, authorizing 
and instructing him to be our commander. He was a man of 
military education, a graduate of West Point, but of late 
years a civil engineer, and at the breaking out of the war 
engaged in the engineer's department of the Croton Water 
Works, at New York city. My first impression of him, as I 



76 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

at the time recorded it, was niost favorable, and subsequent 
observation and intercourse has increased my admiration of 
his qualities as a man, and as a soldier.* 

Colonel Greene was greatly pleased with the appearance of 
our men, apprehending at once that the regiment was com- 
posed of most excellent material, and that, under favorable 
circumstances for discipline and drill, it would be equal to 
any in the service. He set himself at once to a thorough 
understanding of the condition of each company, and to tlie 
furnishing of all with what was most necessary for their effi- 
ciency. By his order, the arms were subjected to a severe 
test, and Lieutenant B. B. Clark, a practical gunsmith, was 
charged with their thorough inspection. Until this time, the 
bayonets had not been fitted to the rifles ; now the gun was 
either made complete in every respect, or wholly condemned. 
But little could be done in the way of drill, especially regi- 

* Since writing the above, I find the following in The New 
Americax Cyclopaedia: ''Greene, George Sears, Brigadier- 
General of Volunteers in the U. S. Army, born in AYarwick, B. 
I., May &, 1801. He was graduated at West Point in 1823, arid 
assigned to the 3d Artillery ; was Acting Assistant Professor of 
Mathematics in the Military Academy, from 1823 to 1826, and ' 
Assistant Professor of Engineering in 1826-7 ; became 1st Lieu- 
tenant in 1829, and resigned his commission in 1836. He then 
became a civil-engineer, and was engaged on railroads and other 
works in various parts of the country, and on the High Bridge 
and new Croton Eeservoir, in New York, until 1862, when he 
was appointed (Jan. 18) Colonel of the 60th N. Y. Vols. He , 
was commissioned Brigadier-General of Volunteers, April 28, j 
1862, and assigned a command in General Augur's Division of 
Banks' Army Corps. On General Augur's promotion, he took 
command of the Division, and fought with great gallantry under 
General Mansfield, at the battle of Antietam." This, I believe, 
is correct, except that General Greene took General Augur's 
place, not on account of the promotion of the latter, but because 
he was disabled by a wound received at the battle of Cedar 
Mountain. 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 77 

mental drill, while the command was so widely scattered. 
Colonel Greene was therefore untiring in his efforts to get the 
regiment together, and had once or twice nearly attained his 
object, when some unexpected contingent compelled our re- 
maining as we were. The failure of one or two efforts, how- 
ever, did not discourage him, nor cause him to relax his 
efforts, but during the whole of his stay with us, he was un- 
tiring in his exertions to secure the object; as, in his judg- 
ment, it was of the first importance in promoting our general 
efficiency. 

On the 28th, Osro C. Dunton, of Company " K,'' died at 
the Regimental Hospital, of typhoid fever. He was buried 
the next day, at Louden Park Cemetery. 

The same day I received a box of Testaments from the 
American Bible Society. They were a beautiful edition, and 
a very acceptable gift, and I endeavored to distribute them 
in such a manner, both to the officers and men, as to furnish 
every man, who desired, with a copy. Nearly all wanted one, 
except a few Roman Catholics, who preferred the Douay ver- 
sion. I made an effort for their gratification, but, at that 
time, did not succeed. 

About this time we began to receive more packages and 
boxes of good things from home. How acceptable they were, 
and what exciting times we had in unpacking, distributing, and 
devouring them! Under-clothing and beddingwere also sent, 
and great quantities of mittens, which the girls, who sent them, 
assured us were the only kind the brave boys should ever get 
from them ! At least that was the way the Madrid girls ex- 
pressed it to Co. " Qr" as seen by this : 

Trout Brook, Dec. 29, 1861. 
TO OUR COUNTRY'S PROTECTORS. 
If your hands are as warm, 

When they're encased in these, 
As our hearts, when we knit them, 
Your fino;ers won't freeze. 



78 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

For our hearts glow with love 

For Uncle Sam and his boys, 
And what we add to their comfort 

But adds to our joys. 
We'll pick up all the mitteus 

That there are about here, 
And send them out there. 

So you never need fear 
That you'll suffer for mittens 

While down there you stay, 
Or get any from us 

When you come back this way I 

ALL THE GIRLS UP THIS WAY. 

The following letter accompanied the articles mentioned in 
it, and was read on Parade. The writer is an aged lady, very 
much esteemed. 

St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Canton, Dec. 3d, 1861. 

Sir : I send you a few necessaries for the sick and wounded 
soldiers from my own hand : 2 bed-quilts, 2 pillows, 2 bed-gowns, 
4 pair of mittens, 9 cushions, for wounded limbs. 

Dear Sir : Will you please accept the small donation from 
your unworthy friend, whose heart is ever open to the calls of 
humanity, and the calls of our country. I wish I could do more, 
but I can only give you my blessing, and say a few words to en- 
courage the brave lads who have volunteered in defence of our 
country. I would say to them, be of good cheer ; you are en- 
listed in a glorious cause, and the God of battles will fight for 
you. When you see the great Cotton Philistines approach, be 
not disheartened ; put on courage like a garment ; let it enwrap 
you like a mantle, for surely God will aim the blow, from the 
sling of our " little David's'^ shepherd boys, to lay proud tyrants 
in the dust, and put their hosts tonight. Methinks I already see 
the Ark of the Covenant of God moving down among the tents 
of our Israel, before whom no power can stand ! And you also 
have the prayers of thousands of our matrons, yes, ten thousands 
of saints and preachers, continually before the Throne of Grace, 
pleading that you may have a speedy and glorious victory with 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 79 

out bloodshed, and that you may return home crowned with 
laurels of honor. The victory is for you, the young and rising 
generation, who may live to enjoy its blessings, and sit under 
the shade of the palm tree of Freedom. 

Ye heralds, proclaim the joyful news ; the year of Jubilee is 
at hand, when the chains of bondage shall be broken, and the 
captives set free, and glorious Liberty proclaimed throughout 
the entire land ! when our nohle banne?' shall again float every- 
where ! 

I feel greatly interested in the cause of our country. I would 
that I had a thousand arms, and all as strong as Samson ; they 
should be put forth in defence of my country. 
Yours, with respect, 

Mrs. CLARISSA EMERSON. 

On the last day of January I recorded that our five com- 
panies at and near headquarters^ had mailed, during the 
month, 4,305 letters. 

February 1st. I received from the office of the " Christian 
Ambassador," at Auburn, N. Y., a package of books, fifteen in 
number, of a most excellent character. During the remainder 
of our stay on the railroad they were very extensively circulated 
and read, and, I believe, produced good results. When we 
left the road, as it was impossible to take them with us, I 
brought them to Baltimore, where they now remain, forming 
a portion of the library at McKim's Hospital. 

About the same time, through the kindness of a friend in 
Boston, John "W. Dean, Esq., a package of Hymn books and 
Tracts was received from the Unitarian Association. The 
tracts were written expressly for soldiers, were eagerly sought 
after, and read, I think, with some profit. The hymn books 
were not so generally used as I desired, but the few who en- 
deavored to use them in the Sunday service, thereby added to 
the interest of the occasion. We had many good singers in 
the regiment, but scattered as the companies were, it was dif- 
ficult to get enough together who felt competent to lead. I 
have a happy recollection, however, of the interest taken in 



80 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

the matter by the members of Co. " D," and of the pleasant ; 
meetings held at their quarters in the carpenter's shop atdtjl 
Mount Clare, and subsequently in the engine house near that 
locality. I am sure that the surviving members of that com- 
pany have not forgotten those days ! 

Early in the morning of the 6th, we had a very sudden t 
death at Camp Preston King. Edmond Mason, of Company rj 
^^ K," went to bed as well as usual the night before ; but about ;1 
midnight woke up the companion in his bunk by his irregular '! 
and labored breathing. The Surgeon came over, but nothing 
could help him, and in a short time he died from congestion 
of the lungp. Late in the afternoon of the same day his body 
was buried at Loudon Park Cemetery. 

On the afternoon of Saturday, the 8th, a social gathering 
was had at Camp Loane. The ladies connected with the Union 
Relief Association had been very kind to Company " C," and 
as they had notified the company of their intended visit at 
this time, they were received with an entertainment gotten 
up by the company's chief caterer ; and sumptuous, as will be 
seen by the following , 

FARE BILL. 

Cooked Constantinople. 

Henry in a Shyear. 

Heated Bovine. 

Pates Saccharina. 

Pat's Own, Ovenized. 

Steamigated Murphies. 

Flip-Flaps and Sugar-House. 

Crochenawls. 

Puffulated Hats. 

Atomatized Bakes. 
Pomatized Flats. 
Conglomerated Spherics. 
Yerdant China. 
Colored Housing. 
Fricasseed Rio. 



LITE IN BARRACKS. 81 

Lieutenant-Colonel Goodrich, Surgeon Gale, J. D. Mason, 
J Esq., of Baltimore, myself, and our wives, were invited guests, 
as was also the band, who enlivened the occasion by playing 
their best pieces. It was a very pleasant gathering. Ample 
justice was done to the good things on the table, of which 
there was an abundance; and justice was also done to the 
"Fare Bill" — i.e., the things named on it were frequently 
.called for! The festivities closed with a grand "skirmish 
drill" by the Company. I remember that Lieutenant-Colonel 
Goodrich thought it a " great squirmish." 

On the 17th, David P.Whitman, of Company "I," died 
of typhoid fever, at the Adams' House Hospital, in the city of 
Baltimore. His remains were sent home for burial. 

The 22d was a holiday for all who were not on duty. 
Nearly all the officers, and most of the men, went to Bal- 
timore to celebrate the day there, the loyal citizens having 
made extensive arrangements for its patriotic observance. 
The Washington Monument, 160 feet high, and surmounted 
by a colossal statue of Washington 15 feet high, was wreathed 
with most beautiful flowers, and a mammoth national flag was 
! displayed from the top. The hall of the Maryland Institute, 
260 feet long, and 60 feet wide, was grandly decorated with 
flags, and at noon was filled with citizens who assembled to 
listen to the reading of Washington's Farewell Address. The 
" Star Spangled Banner" waved from all the public buildings, 
from innumerable dwellings, and from many places of busi- 
ness. In the evening, houses were illuminated, guns fired, 
bonfires kindled, and fire-works displayed throughout the city. 
The bands of the several regiments in and about the city 
visited the hospitals, and played patriotic and enlivening airs, 
much to the gratification of the patients. Our band played 
at the National Hotel Hospital, at the Union Belief Booms, 
and at several other places during the day and evening. 

Begimental drill, which had been suspended several weeks, 
on account of the superabundance of mud in the vicinity of 



82 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

our camp, was resumed about this time, and tlie site of the ^ 
first Camp Eathbone was the drill ground. Occasionally we 
had spectators from the city. 

The spot where our barracks stood had been covered with 
stunted oaks and other brushwood, the tops of which were 
cleared off at the time the buildings were erected, but the 
stumps and roots left in the ground were very much in the 
way, especially on the parade. Colonel Greene provided the 
prisoner* in the guard-house with picks, wheelbarrows and 
shovels, and set them to clearing up. The men did not 
much over-exert themselves to finish their job, but after a 
while it was completed, and we had a smooth and comfortable 
ground. The prisoners desiring to do everything according 
to military art, made a complete organization among them- 
selves, calling it Company " Q," being at that time sufficiently 
numerous to elect all the necessary officers, from the colonel 
down to a corporal. The greatest scamps were selected for 
the highest offices, which they affirmed was invariably the 
rule in the regiment, although it was generally denied there, 
but they, as honest men, were bound to have agreement be- 
tween their professions and their practice ! Among their 
number, was one fellow from Company " E.,'' who, on account 
of his frequent arrests for abusing his pass by overstaying his 
time and getting drunk, was constantly in the line of promo- 
tion. He was something of a wit, and caused no little merri- 
ment among us all. 

On one occasion, while talking with the men, and inquiring 
into the cause of their arrest, I came to him and was answered : 

'' I am here because I was devoted to my religion." 

'^ Some mistake about that, I guess. Nobody in the regi- 
ment is punished on account of their religion." 

" No mistake about it. I am persecuted for devotion to my 
religion." 

" How so r 

*' Why, you see, I got a pass on Sunday, to be gone from 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 83 

I o'clock till 8 ; but at 8 services wa'nt over, and I was in- 
terested and couldn't get away ; and when my church was out, 
I thought 'twas too late to come back, and so waited till Mon- 
day noon. So they arrested me for devotion to my church !" 

" You ought to have come back Sunday night ; you would 
have been excused if you were late on account of being at 
church. You know what the Ecgulations require?'^ 

" The Regulations ! 0, but they're awful hard on a fellow ! 
Why, the Bible don't have but Ten Commandments,* and the 
Regulations have five hundred or more ! How can they ex- 
pect a fellow like me to know the Regulations V 

I had to join in the laugh that followed; and heard him 
remark, *as I went away : " I reckon I got well clear of a lec- 
ture that time I" 

On the 26th, Company " Q" met with an irreparable loss. 
Three of its most brilliant members, Nicholas Hoffman, Wm. 
Morehead and Washington Liskum, had been honored with a 
trial by Court-Martial, and being found guilty of several mis- 
demeanors and villanies, were sentenced to be dishoitorably 
discharged from the service, drummed out of camp, and put 
to hard labor on the public works. The execution of the 
sentence on the morning mentioned, somewhat dampened the 
enthusiasm of the remaining prisoners; and although they 
frequently joked about the promotion, as they called it, I be- 
lieve they never took h6art to go into another election. 

The companies at headquarters and Company "E'^ mailed, 
in February, 4,369 letters. 

With the coming in of the month of March, we got rumors 
that we were to be relieved from railroad duty. General Dix, 
then in command at Baltimore, had been ordered to send four 
regiments from his Department to Fortress Monroe; and it 
was said that we were named in the movement. We thought 
the report well founded, and were very jubilant at the pros- 
pect of a change, especially as it would bring us all together 
again. Wc indulged in very pleasant fancies for a few days, 



84: LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

and on tlie Tth of the montli we got orders to move ; but, 
alas ! for our expectations ! Our move was in a different 
direction from what we had expected, and the orders made it 
pretty certain that we would not soon be relieved from the 
railroad ! On the 8th, the orders were obeyed ; and all the 
companies at headquarters were moved up towards Annapolis 
Junction, eighteen miles from Baltimore. Companies ''I,'' 
" H " and " D" remained where they were, in the city. Com- 
pany " E " was in the barracks, at Camp Eobinson, and the 
remaining six companies were scattered along the road ; Com- 
pany " Gr" being the last, and having its quarters at Annapolis 
Junction. The Field and Staff Officers, the Band, and a guard 
from Company " E,'^ remained at Camp Preston King. 
_ The same morning that this move was made, 1st Lieutenant 
Henry C. Eastman died. When the barracks were built, he 
had charge of their erection, and from exposure and overwork 
then, brought on typhoid fever. A few days after his sick- 
ness commenced, he was taken to the residen^ of Mrs. Walte- 
myer, on the Washington Turnpike, where he remained till 
he died, receiving unwearied kindness, and every possible 
attention. From the first, delirium was one of the prominent 
symptoms of his disease, making it impossible for him to 
understand his condition, or to arrange his business. On the 
9th, funeral service was held -at Mrs. Waltemyer's, and the 
body taken to the city and put in charge of the Express Com- 
pany, who forwarded it to St. Lawrence County. 

Lieutenant Eastman was a most excellent man ; quiet and 
unobtrusive, but always prompt in duty, and true to every 
trust and obligation. He entered the army purely from a con- 
viction that he was needed, and was untiring in his efforts to 
do his whole duty. In moral worth he ranked high, and 
though a man of few words, his life was a constant example 
of rectitude. Peace to his ashes ! 

Second Lieutenant A. B. Shipman was promoted to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the death of Lieut. Eastman, and 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 85 

Orderly-Sergeant Edward Rich became Second Lieutenant, - 
the commissions of both giving them rank from March 8th. 

The move from Camp Preston King was occasioned by the 
removal of the 1st Michigan Regiment from Annapolis Junc- 
tion to Virginia. Colonel Dixon S. Miles succeeded Colonel 
Robinson in command of the Brigade. He took from us 
Lieutenant H. C. Reynolds to act as his Assistant Adjutant- 
General, who continued to serve in that capacity till the death 
of Colonel Miles, the following September. 

Colonel Greene immediately set to work to get as much of 
the regiment together as possible. Colonel ^liles soon gave 
permission for the removal of Companies " D," '■'■ W^ and '' I" 
to Camp Preston King, and they came up about the 20th. 

In those days we had, in common with the whole country, 
I suppose, a great deal of talk about the iron-clad Merrimac, 
whose recent exploits had, like the. attack on Fort Sumter, 
kindled afresh all slumbering patriotism, and as everybody 
was fruitful in schemes for the destruction of the monster, so 
we felt in duty bound to contribute our share of practicable 
plans for its seizure. I do not, of course, remember all that 
was proposed, but Captain Jones had a project, the originality 
and. boldness of which will insure it a place in my memory till 
the days of second childhood make me forgetful of all the novel- 
ties of life. ^' Give me," said Captain Jones, " sixteen men, 
picked men-, mind you, from my company, and on a dark night 
we will take a boat, row softly up to the Merrimac, enter the 
port-holes, blind the guard and crew by throwing Cayenne pep- 
per in their eyes, and then bring the ship under the guns of 
Fortress Monroe !" Nobody was sufficiently devoted to the 
interests of the Government to communicate this"' plan to the 
Secretary of the Navy, and — the Merrimac was lost to us ! 

While the regiment was on its way to New York from 

Albany, Company " A" held an election to fill the vacancy 

caused by the promotion of Captain Montgomery. Michael 

H. Crowley was elected Second Lieutenant, but as the pro- 

8 



86 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

ceedings were illegal, the office being one of appointment, and 
not of election, after the organization had been effected, he 
did not receive any commission. He had, indeed, discharged 
the duties of the office since his election, and by an error of 
Colonel Hayward in returning him as Second Lieutenant on 
the muster-roll, had drawn the pay belonging to that office. 
Colonel Greene took the ground that he could not so muster 
him till he was sure he had a commission, and in order to 
settle the matter so that he might make a clear statement of the 
case to the Governor, he ordered Crowley before the Lieut. - 
Colonel and Major for examination. They reported that he 
was not qualified for the position. 

Sergeant N. M. Dickinson was then recommended for pro- 
motion, and on Colonel Greene's asking for his appointment, 
was commissioned Second Lieutenant, with rank from April 1st. 

The 10th Maine Regiment, which had returned to its old 
ground after our leaving Camp Morgan, was now sent up to 
Harper's Ferry, and we received orders to move to the Relay 
with two companies. On the 28th, the Field and Staff, 
the Band, the Quartermaster's Department, the Hospital, and 
Companies " D" and " H," moved up to the old ground, now 
named by Colonel Greene, Camp Miles, in honor of our acting 
Brigadier. Company ^'E" moved over to Camp Preston 
King, where we also left Company " I.^' 

We found very comfortable barracks at Camp Miles, though 
not as good as those we left behind. The grounds, however, 
were much pleasanter, and the landscape was very beautiful. 
Major Brundage went up to Annapolis Junction, where Com- 
pany "A" had joined Company "G," and, before long. Com- 
panies " C " and " F " were brought in to Camp Miles. 

Some idea of the condition of the regiment at this time, 
and of what was thought would tend to its improvement, may 
be gained from the following report : 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 87 

Headquarters 60th Reg't N. Y. S. V., 

Camp Miles, March 31st, 1862. 
To Colonel George S. Greene, 

Commanding 60th Reg't N. Y. S. Volunteers : 

Sir : It is made my duty, by act of Congress, approved July 
22, 1861 — as see " Revised Army Regulations," p. 521 — to report 
to you "at the end of each quarter, the moral and religious con- 
dition of the regiment, and such suggestions as may conduce to 
the social happiness and moral improvement of the troops.'^ 

There are difficulties in the way of a complete discharge of this 
duty. I made mention of them in my last report, to which I beg 
leave to refer you, as the circumstances of situation therein no- 
ticed are not materially changed. 

While I think it safe to say, as gleaned from the testimony of 
those who have visited several camps, that the moral condition 
of this regiment will compare favorably with that of any other 
in the volunteer service, I am not without hope that a very de- 
cided improvement may be made in our men. 

Many in this command have been unavoidably subject to 
-some of the most alluring and fatal temptations that could be 
spread before a soldier. Their proximity to a large city — some 
of them having been assigned to duty in locations not remarkable 
for virtuous occupants, nor for the prohibition of immoral com- 
merce — has been fruitful of much evil. And even in the com- 
panies which have had the least opportunity for falling into the 
vices peculiar to the city, some have contracted habits, which it 
is to be feared, may yet produce the most unfortunate results. 
Isolated from other companies, and not having that demand on 
their time which would be made if it was possible to give them 
a greater variety of drill, they have, for amusement, resorted to 
card-playing ; by which habit, so great are its fascinations to most 
men, they are — even if secure by their good moral resolutions 
from becoming gamblers — accustoming themselves to such a low 
estimate of the value of time, as will unfit them for usefulness 
when, at the close of the war, they will again be thrown upon 
their own resources in civil life. 

I also have my fears that the sin of profanity is more common 
in this regiment at the present time than it ever has been before. 
Whether this would have been less if the regiment had been kept 



88 LIFE IN BARRACKS. ' 

together, vre cannot, of course, positively affirm, but this much 
I have very plainly discovered, that there is the most profanity 
used by those vrho have been longest away fi'om headquarters. 

In view of these facts, I desire to submit the following sugges- 
tions : 

1st. That the practice of allowing the men to visit the city 
shall, so far as possible, be discontinued ; or, at least, be put 
under such restrictions as will exclude those from the privilege 
who are addicted to habits of inebriety or licentiousness. Some 
officers may fear that, by too great strictness, they shall make 
the camp seem too much like a prison. I apprehend, however, 
that the real danger of the men is not to be found in the severity 
of a wholesome discipline, but in the laxity and timidity of those 
who, since they have authority over others, ought to feel the 
responsibility of using it wisely and with a firm hand. Men are 
much more likely to be injured by indulgence than they are by 
restraint. 

2d. I would suggest that, as a help to whatever persuasion or 
other means may be used in endeavoring to wean the men from 
card-playing, the attention of the " Council of Administration" 
shall be called to the propriety and wisdom of making an appro- 
priation from the " Post Fund'' for the purchase of books for the 
use of the regiment. I am convinced, from an experiment already 
tried with a few books given for library purposes, that there is a 
disposition on the part of many to employ their leisure time in 
a beneficial manner. If the opportunity could be extended, ex- 
cuse would in. a great measure be taken away from those 
whose apology for a foolish thing is that " they have nothing else 
to do.'' 

Finally, I would suggest that, since profanity is such an inex- 
cusable and yet such a heinous sin, that those who use it shall 
be subjected to the penalty prescribed in the Articles of War, or 
to such other and, if needs bo, such additional penalty as will 
restrain them ; and that company commandants be instructed to 
exert themselves for the suppression of the evil. 

We are not in a situation to attempt any associated effort for 
any purpose. It is therefore greatly incumbent on us to feel the 
responsibility of individual influence, and the importance of 
personal example. Whether exertions for the reformation of the 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 89 

Vicious shall succeed or not, it is clearly in the power of those 
who have authority, to restrain. I therefore recommend, if the 
above suggestions seem of any worth, that you inaugurate such 
^ measures as shall tend to make them efficient. 

Nothing is more obvious than that the war in which we are 
engaged is for the purpose, on our part, of conserving some of 
the highest and dearest interests of man ; and it ought to be felt 
by all who have any part in the struggle, that the preservation 
of such interests, and their subsequent enjoyment will be best 
and only well secured by those who discipline themselves, and 
seek to incite others to the highest perfection possible to man. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

RICHARD EDDY, 
Chaplain 60th Reg't N. Y. S. V. 

"We had hardly got settled in our new quarters, when it 
became known to us that an order had been issued for us to 
report to Washington, but that through the interference of 
Col. Miles it had been countermanded. We felt very unplea- 
sant about it, but could not do anything else. 

I find by my memorandum that I mailed 3063 letters in 
the month of March. 

Early in April the President, in view of recent victories, 
issued a proclamation calling on the people to give thanks to 
Almighty God for the success which had attended our arms ; 
and the Secretary of War made an order that the troops 
should, at meridian, on the Sunday following their receipt of 
the order, comply with the request in the Proclamation. Col. 
Greene issued a Regimental Order, on being notified of the 
above, and on Sunday, the 13th, we assembled at noon, on the 
Parade, and ofi"ered our thanksgivings. A discourse followed 
on True ManUness, the Demand on the American Soldier, from 
2d Samuel x. 12 : " Be of good courage, and let us play the 
men for our people, and for the cities of our God, and the 
Lord do that which seemetli him good." 
8^ 



90 LIFE TN BARRACKS. 

A Court Martial was held on the 11th for the trial of some 
of the surviving members of Co. ^' Q ;" and subsequently the 
following order gave us the results : 

Headquarters, Middle Depaktment, 

Baltimore, Md., June 1, 18G2. 
General Orders, No. 15. 

I. Before a General Court Martial, of which Lieut. Colonel 
William B. Goodrich, 60th New York Volunteers, is President, 
convened at Camp Miles, Maryland, April, 1862, under Special 
Orders, No. 97, issued from these Headquarters, April 9, 1862, 
were arraigned and tried the five following persons, viz : 
1st. Sylvanus J. Titus, Drummer, Company " D,'' 60th New York 
Volunteers, on the following charge and specification, viz. : 
"Conduct prejudicial to good order and Military discipline." 
Specification. — "In this, that he, the said Sylvanus J.Titus, 
Drummer of Company " D,'' GOth New York Volun- 
teers aforesaid, did, on or about the 14th day of March, 
1862, at Mount Clare Station, Baltimore, Md., lift and 
attempt to carry ofi*, and appropriate to his own use, a 
Back of oats ; said sack of oats supposed to have been 
taken from a car standing near, but by means unknown.'* 
Plea — 0^ i\\Q Specification, " Not Guilty. '* 
Of the Charge, " Not Guilty." 

The Court having considered the evidence, finds the accused 
as follows, viz : 

Of the Specification, " Not Guilty." 
Of the Charge, " Not Guilty." 
And therefore acquits him. 

2d. Private Aaron Fiske, Company I, GOth Regiment New York 
Volunteers, on the following charge and specification, viz : 

CHARGE. 

" Offering violence to his Superior Officer. '' 

Specification — "In this, that he, the said private Aaron Fiske, 

Company " I," 60th Regiment New York Volunteers, 

on or about the 1st day of March, 1862, did strike at 

his Captain, Jesse H. Jones, with a bottle, aiming the 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 91 

blow at his head. All this at Locust Point, Baltimore, 
Md." 
Plea— Of the Specification, "Not Guilty." 
Of the Charge, "Not Guilty." 
|-.. The Court in consideration of the evidence finds the accused 
;' as follows, viz. : 

Of the Specification, "Not Guilty." 
Of the Charge, "Not Guilty." 
I And therefore acquits him. 

3d. Private George Sayers, Company " F," 60th Regiment New 
York Volunteers, on the following charge and specifications : 

CHARGE. 

" Conduct prejudicial to good order and Military discipline. 

Specification 1st. — " In this, that the said Private George Sayers, 
of the said Company "F," while doing guard duty at 
No. 3 Post, of Captain Thomas Elliott's guard, on the 
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, on or about the 11th 
day of March, 1862, stole a barrel of flour from off one 
of the freight trains, and secreted it on his post. This 
on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, about 
nine miles from Baltimore, Md." 

Specification 2d. — " In this, that the said George Sayers, Com- 
pany "F," 60th Regiment New York Volunteers, in 
the service of the United States, when on duty as sen- 
tinel, charged with the protection of property on said 
road, did, on or about the 11th day of March, 1862, con- 
ceal a barrel of flour which was lying on his post and 
attempt to convert it to his own use. This on the line 
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and about nine 
miles from Baltimore, Md." 

Specification 3d. — " In this, that the said Private George Sayers, 
of the said Company " F," contrary to the orders re- 
ceived by him from his superior officers, to protect all the 
railroad employees in the execution of their laAvful duties, 
threatened to shoot Thomas J. English, a switchman 
on the said railroad, and rob every train, (or words to 
that effect,) if he the said Thomas J. English dared report 



92 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

the theft, hereinbefore mentioned, to the authorities, the 

said switchman being at the time in the execution of his 
duty in looking after the missing barrel of flour. This 
on the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, about 
nine miles from Baltimore, Md., on or about the 11th. 
day of March, 1862.'' 
Plea — Of each Specifcation, " Not Guilty.'' 
Of the Charge, '' Not Guilty." 

Upon the evidence the Court finds the accused as follows, viz. : 

Of the 1st Specification, " Not Guilty." 

Of the 2d Specification, " Not Guilty." 

Of the 3d Specification, " Not Guilty." 

Of the Charge, "Not Guilty." 
And therefore acquits him. 

4th. Private Charles Santo, Company *' F," 60th New York 
Volunteers, on the following charges and specifications, 
viz. : 

Charge I. 
" Getting drunk on his post as sentinel.'^ . 
Specification. — " In this, that said Charles Santo, Private in Com- 
pany "F," 60th New York Volunteers, did, on or about 
the 14th day of April, 1862, while posted as a sentinel 
on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, at Post No. 14 of 
the camp ground, at the crossing of the Washington 
road, get drunk." 

Charge II. 

^'■Leaving Jiis postwJiile posted as a sentinel, without being regularly 
relieved.'^ 

Specification. — " In this, that the said Charles Santo, did, on or 
about the 14th day of April, 1862, while posted as a 
sentinel on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, at Post 
No. 14 of the camp guard, on the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, at the crossing of the Washington road at 
Elkridge Landing, leavehispost without being regularly 
relieved, and go into a store or liquor shop near by, 
said Santo being a private in Company " F," 60th Re- 
giment New York Volunteers." 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 93 

Charge III. 

" Conduct prejudicial to good order and Militarij discipline:^ 

Specification Tst. — " In this, that said Charles Santo, Private in 
Company " F,^' 60th New York Volunteers, did, on or 
about the 14th day of April, 1862, while posted as a 
sentinel at Post No. 14 of the camp guard, on the Bal- 
timore and Ohio Railroad, at the crossing of the Wash- 
ington road at Elkridge Landing, refuse to allow Cor- 
poral Schuyler, of Company " F," 60th New York Vo- 
lunteers, to pass, said Schuyler having a legal pass 
signed by Capt. Elliott, commanding Company " F,'^ 
60th New York Volunteers, and countersigned by com- 
mandant of Camp.^' 

Specification 2d. — " In this, that the said Charles Santo, Private 
as above stated, did, on or about the 14th day of April, 
1862, while on his post as a sentinel as stated in first 
specification, insult and strike Corporal Schuyler, of Com- 
pany "F," as above stated, without any just cause." 

Plea — Of Specification to Charge 1, " Not Guilty." 
Of Charge 1, " Not Guilty." 

Of Specification to Charge 2, *' Not Guilty." 
Of Charge 2, " Not Guilty." 

0^- Specification 1, Charge 3, " Not Guilty." 
Of Specification 2, Charge 3, " Not Guilty." 
X)f Charge 3, " Not Guilty." 

Upon considering the evidence, the Court finds the accused of 
each and all the specifications and charges, *' Guilty." 

And therefore sentences him *' To be confined at hard labor at 
the headquarters of the 60th New York Volunteers, for one month, 
and undergo the stoppage of one month's pay, to ask pardon of 
Corporal Jacob Schuyler, of Company *' F," in the presence of 
the regiment, and then and there to be reprimanded by the 
commanding officer." 

5th. Corporal Albert Davenport, Company *'A," 60th New York 
Volunteers, on the following charge and specification : 



94 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

Charge. 

" Conduct prejudical to good order and Military discipline.'' 

Specification. — " In this, that the said Albert Davenport, Corpo- 
*ral in Company "■ A," 60th New York Volunteers, did, 
on or about the 4th day of March, 1862, steal from S. 
W. Lasselle, Private in the aforesaid Company " A,'' a 
watch which at said time was the private property of 
said S. W. Lasselle. Tliis at Camp Preston King, near 
Baltimore, Md.'"' 

Plea — Of the Specification, "Not Guilty." 
Of the Charge, " Not Guilty.'' 

Upon consideration of the evidence, the Court finds the accused, 
"^ Of the Specification, " Guilty.'' 

Of the Charge, " Guilty." 

And therefore sentences him, " To be dishonorably discharged 
from the service of the United States, and forfeit all pay and al- 
lowances due him, with the exception of the amount due the 
Sutler and Laundress, and be confined at hard labor in the Peni- 
tentiary at Washington, for the term of three months." 

IL — In case 1, Sylvanus J. Titus, Drummer of Company "D," 
60th New York Volunteers, the proceedings are approved and 
the acquittal confirmed. Private Titus will be relieved from con- 
finement and returned to duty. 

.In case 2, Private Aaron Fiske, Company ** I," 60th Kegiment 
New York Volunteers, the Major-General in command reluctantly 
confirms the proceedings in this carse. The testimony of Capt. 
Jones clearly shows that the accused was guilty of the act 
charged, but the Court having found the accused not guilty, 
evidently by reason of an omission of proof on the part of the 
prosecution, Private Fiske will be released and returned to duty. 

In case 3, Private George Sayers, Company "F," 60th New 
York Volunteers, the proceedings are approved and the acquittal 
confirmed. Private Sayers will be released and returned to duty. 

In case 4, Private Charles Santo, Company "F," 60t,h New 
York Volunteers, the proceedings are approved, and the sentence 
will be executed, except that part of it which requires the ac- 
cused to ask pardon of Corporal Schuyler. The sentence is 
entirely too mild for the offence. 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 95 

In case 5, Corporal Albert Davenport, Company *' A," 60th 
New York Volunteers, the proceedings are approved and the 
sentence is confirmed, except so much thereof as imposes im- 
prisonment. . Corporal Davenport will be dishonorably discharged 
from the service of the United States immediately on the receipt 
of this order. 
"The Court is hereby dissolved. 

By order of Major General Dix : 

D. T. VAN BUREN, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 

Before this decision was announced, Davenport broke away 
from his confinement and deserted. Certain facts, which 
were elicited at the trial, justify the supposition that on mak- 
ing his escape, lie went to a house of ill-fame, in Baltimore, 
where he was provided with a suit of citizen's clothes, in 
which he easily eluded detection. 

On the 18th, Major Elliott carae and paid us for the months 
of January and February. I have mislaid my record of the 
t amounts sent home by each company, but the aggregate was 
fourteen thousand nine hundred dollars. 

On the 24th, a sad accident occurred at Annapolis Junc- 
tion. Elderkin Bose and Wallace Smith, both members of 
Company " A," were playing cards, when Bose playfully ac- 
cused Smith of cheating, threatening, if he did it again, to 
shoot him with an old-fashioned pistol that lay near, and 
which no one supposed was loaded, as caps had been exploded 
on it with impunity several times in the course of the day. 
Neither party having any care for the -game, but chiefly in- 
terested in having a good time, the cards were thrown down 
right or wrong, just as it happened, when Bose, picking up 
the pistol and asking Smith if he remembered the threat, 
pulled the trigger. Unfortunately, an old charge exploded, 
and the ball entered Smith's right breast. He simply ex- 
claimed, " Oh, Bose V' when, suffocated by the rising blood, 
he fell back and soon expired. The agony of Bose was un- 



96 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

speakable I all the avenues of comfort were closed ; and he 
passed into the wildest possible despair ! Smith had been his 
most -intimate friend ; they had mutually chosen each other 
as comp^nionSj and were always cheerful and happy when to- 
gether. 

Major Brundage, Captain Day and Lieutenant Foot, were 
appointed- to investigate the affair, and made a report of the 
evidence taken, disclosing the facts as above stated. 

The funeral services of Smith were held on the 25th, and 
his remains forwarded to his home in Hermon. 

I think it was about this time that Lieutenant Gleason, 
who had been North to recruit for the regiment, returned, and 
the following-named new men, recruited by him, were assigned 
to the different companies. 



Anderson, J. 
Burnham, L. Gr. 
Bockus, C. E. 
Barlow, ,S. 
Collins, M. B. 
Clark, N. B. 
Corbett, A. 
Cowan, G. M. 
Dorran, P. 
Daniels, J. F. 
Demmons, H. 
Duignan, T. J. 
Green, J. 
Gleason, E. 
Head, J. 
Head, T. 
Leyard, J. 



D. 



Lee, J. 
Lee, T. 
Loge, E. 
Marshall, R. 
Myers, W. E. 
Ostrander, G. 
Olds, J. 
Oliver, C. M. 
Peters, D. 
Busier C. 
Bice, W. 
Rice, C. D. 
Sloan, J. 
Southcott, W. 
Smead, E. R. 
Small, T. 
Weber, G.— 84. 



President Lincoln had appointed Colonel Greene Brigadier- 
General, and, on the 28th, the appointment was confirmed by 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 97 

j the Senate. Some delay occurred in sending his commission, 
1 , and I went on to AVashington for the purpose of expediting 
the matter, and, if possible, of getting our regiment assigned 
to his Brigade. '' The commission,^' said Adjutant-General 
Thomas, in a not remarkably agreeable manner, '^will be 
sent in due time. The Sixtieth is needed where it is, and 
must stay there !'^ 

That was a decision from pretty good authority, and we 
proceeded to make our arrangements accordingly. Several 
of the officers sent for their wives ; all begun to express their 
preferences for the promotions likely to be called for by Gen. 
Greene's departure, and officers' meetings became quite fre- 
quent. There had been some change of opinion since the 
petition at the time of Colonel Hay ward's discharge, but it 
was not deemed practicable to send any different one to the 
Governor ; and since it was regarded as a foregone conclusion 
that Lieutenant-Colonel Goodrich and Major Brundage would 
be promoted, the question of interest was. Who shall be Major ? 
General Greene recommended the promotion of Adjutant 
Gale, and others of the Field and Staff wrote to Albany in 
his behalf^ but that was deemed very irregular by the Line 
Officers, since it made no change for them. Several unsuc- 
cessful attempts were made by them to unite on some one in 
the " Line," and at last they agreed on Captain J. M. Kansom, 
a most excellent man in every respect, but too much a junior, 
being out-ranked by six captains, to give consistency to the 
plea that they wanted to have such things done in the '^regu- 
lar" manner. 

Thus the month of April closed, leaving us indulging in a 
variety of '' great expectations !" I find a record that I mailed 
for the regiment 3855 letters during the month. 

From the first to the middle of May no very great changes 

were effected, and nothing important transpired; but soon 

after that, Lieutenant-Colonel Goodrich received a commission 

as Colonel, and Major Brundage one as Lieutenant-Colonel, 

9 ♦ 



98 LIFE IN BARRACKS. * 

giving them rank, in their new positions, from May 1st. 
General G-reene received his commission about the same time. 
Before leaving the regiment, however, Captain Redington had 
to appeal to him for relief from a trouble in which he was 
then involved. There had been, for some time, a growing dis- 
satisfaction with him in his company. His men complained 
that he neglected them, and was too much away. They there- 
fore petitioned him to resign, alleging that it appeared that he 
had greater interest elsewhere than with the company, and 
tJiat they could easily find some one who would be more mind- 
ful of their welfare. The Captain went to Colonel Greene 
with the petition, and an effort was made to magnify the 
affair into a case of mutiny. Sergeant Ecistman, the leader 
in the affair, was, with others, placed under arrest for a time, 
but no more ever came of it. Perhaps it was best to treat 
the matter in this way, but if Colonel Hayward's case had 
been determined so, it would have made trouble! Was it 
really any more mutinous, however, for a company to ask its 
Captain to resign, than for that Captain to unite with his bro- 
ther officers in asking their Colonel to resign ? 

On General Greene's leaving us, he issued the following 
Order : 

Headquarters 60th Reg't N. Y. S. Vols., 

Camp Miles, May 18th, 1802. 
IlEGiiiEXTAL Orders, No. 53. 

Brig.-Gen. Geo, S. Greene having been promoted from the 60th 
Regiment N. Y. Vols, hereby resigns the commaud of the Regi- 
ment to Col. W. B. Goodrich, who has been commissioned Colo- 
nel of the 60th Reg't N. Y. Vols, by the Governor of the State 
of New York. 

B^ig.-Gen. Greene desires, before leaving the 60th Regiment 
N. Y. Vols., to express his pleasure at the improvement in the 
Regiment during the time he has had command of it, and at the 
evident desire of officers and men to fit themselves for good ser- 
vice for their country in this its hour of greatest trial. 

He will always remember with pleasure his connection with the 



LIFE IN BARRACKS. 99 

Regiment, and hopes that it may be his good fortune to have the 
Regiment again under his command in more active service. 
. V/ith better opportunities for drill and discipline, the 60th 
Regiment will be inferior to none in the service. 

In conclusion, the General entreats the officers and men th9,t 
they be temperate and steady in the exact performance of their 
duties, tliat each one may make his services acceptable to his 
God and his country. . • 

G'EORGE S. GREENE, 

Brigadier-General. 
R. C. Gale, Adjutant. 



The officers had addressed a letter to the General, a copy of 
which I cannot j&iid; but it in substance expressed their high 
regard for him, their appreciation of his ability, an acknow- 
ledgment of benefits received in the connection now about to 
be dissolved^ and the good wishes with which they should fol- 
low him in his new position and honors. 

Governor Morgan had answered the question. Who shall be 
Major? by sending us Edward C. James, son of lion. A. B. 
James, v>^ho arrived on the 24th, having a comm^sion as 
Major from May 1st. Major James had been for some 
months Adjutant of the 50th Regiment N. Y. S. Vols., com- 
monly known as the Engineers' Regiment.* His appearance 
among us was a surprise, and a disappointment. We did not 
take to him very kindly, for, in addition to his spoiling the 
prospects both of the '' regular'' and the " irregular" candi- 
dates, he was right from the field, and did not much flatter 
our opinion that we were disgraced by being kept on the rail- 
road by his assertion that any of the regiments on the Penin- 
sula would jump at the chance of an exchange of position with 
us. We were vei^^ sceptical of this at that time, but were 
strongly persuaded to a belief of it afterwards. 

I do not remember that anything of note occurred after 

* See Chap. YII. 



100 LIFE IN BARRACKS. 

these change's had been made until the receipt of the follow- 
ing telegraph : 

Headquarters, Harper's Ferry, 

11 P. M. May 23d, 1862. 
To Col. Goodrich, 

Commanding GOth N. Y. 

I have telegraphed for transportation for six (6) Companies of 
your Regiment to join me immediately. Also, for four (4) Com-, 
panics First (1st) District Regiment. Send this to Beltsville, to 
Col. Tait. A Company must remain at Relay. Detachments of 
First District at posts. General Banks wants all he can get. 

D. S. MILES, 
Colonel 2d Infantry, 
Commanding Railroad Brigade. 



I 

J 



harper's ferry and bolivar, 101 



V. 
HARPER'S FERRY AND BOLIVAR. 

We expected to leave the Relay on Saturday, May 24tli, 
but were not called for. On Sunday morning we got a rumor 
from the railroad office that the order to send a train up had 
been countermanded. We therefore made arrangements for 
and were engaged in religious services, when word came that 
the train would be ready for us at 2 P. M. 

About that hour, the train brought up Company ^^E," from 
Camp Preston King, and went on for Companies " A" and 
^' K," at Annapolis Junction, leaving us, meanwhile, to get 
our baggage and horses loaded on cars that had been left be- 
hind for that purpose. It was not till 6 P. M., that Com- 
panies '^D," "F^' and "H" joined those before mentioned, 
on the cars, and started for Harper's Ferry. 

Companies "B," " C," " G" and '' I '' were left on railroad 
duty, under command of Major James, with Dr. Chambers to 
look after their bodily welfare. The other Field and Staff 
Officers, and also the Band, were on the cars. . 

Although we went away with very cheerful faces, and made 
considerable noise in the way of cheering, it was not without 
regret that many lost sight of the Relay. On the whole, our 
stay there had been a pleasant one. AYe had formed agree- 
able acquaintances, enjoyed many visits from friends, and 
several had had the happiness to have their families with them 
a good portion of the time. Mr. O'Hern and his pleasant 



102 harper's ferry and bolivar. 

household will not be forgotten. Several of the officers had 
spent many happy hours in their society. 

We arrived at Sandy Hook, one mile east of the Ferry, and 
seventy-one miles distant from the Relay, at 3 o'clock on 
Monday morning, with 485 enlisted men. Everything was in 
confusion there. No one seemed to know what the true state 
of affairs was ; ,but most contradictory reports were freely cir- 
culating. A member of the 10th Maine came over and re- 
ported that his regiment was wholly annihilated ', and Banks, 
badly cut up, was surrounded beyond the hope of escape. 
Another, of the same regiment, was as positive that Shields 
had got in the rear of the rebels, Banks had turned in his 
retreat, and, beyond all doubt, the entire force of the enemy 
would soon be captured. 

One thing, we found out was- very certain : it mattered very 
little whether we went forward or turned back. The enemy, 
wherever he was, had plenty of artillery, we had none, nor 
was any to be had at or near the Ferry. Until cannon could 
be obtained, we were best off where we were, and if an attack 
was made at the Ferry, our friends there would be compelled 
to come to us. 

We remained at the Hook till the next morning. During 
the night, a Naval Battery arrived from Washington, and was 
put into position on Maryland Heights. Crounse's and Fvey- 
nolds' Batteries of field artillery came in the morning, and 
also several regiments of infantry, among them the 102d 
New. York, commanded by its Lieutenant-Colonel, our old 
friend William B. Hayward, who, having no Staff with him, 
was not only Commander, but Adjutant, Quartermaster and 
Commissary ! He had hard work before him, and plenty of 
it, but we all saw that he was doing it thoroughly and well. 

At 8 o'clock in the morning, we marched over to Harper's 
Ferry. Up to this time Colonel Miles had been in co...aiand. 
Brigadier-General Saxton now arrived and relieved him. As 
the troops crossed on the railroad bridge, 800 feet in length, 



harper's ferry and eolivar. 103 

the scene was very fine. Our regiment, the Band playing 
" Hail Columbia/' led the column, and with a firm and deter- 
mined step, we put our feet, for the first time, on the '^ sacred 
soil." Harper's Ferry has been so often described that I will 
attempt nothing of the kind, other than to say that it seemed 
to me as though it ought to come up to any man's ideal of 
desolation and nastiness. One could hardly realize that it 
was ever a flourishing place, or even decently clean ; but I 
believe there is a tradition to the effect that it was once neat 
and prosperous. The ruins of the Government Workshops 
are a presumption in favor of the latter; but I'saw nothing 
j to indicate that the cleanliness was ever anything more than 
I a myth. 

We made no halt in the village, but passed through and 
i out High Street, through Bolivar Village, to Bolivar Heights, 
' distant two miles from the Ferry. Here a line of battle was 
I formed, fronting the road to Charlestown. The 60th was the 
second regiment from the right; the 78th New York being 
I between us and the Battery. 

Between 9 and 10 o'clock in the evening we had an alarm 
that the rebels were coming. The line was immediately 
formed, but no enemy appeared. At the same time firing was 
heard on Loudon Heights, at our rear, which, according to 
the subsequent report of General Saxton, was an attack of 
the rebel cavalry on two Companies of Maryland troops, 
who had been sent out on reconnoissance. One sergeant was 
killed. Finding that it was a folse alarm in front. Colonel 
Goodrich ordered the men to lie down on their arms, and go 
to sleep, seeking himself to give them an example, success in 
which was prevented by the extreme nervousness of Colonel 
Daniel Ullman, of the 78th, who busied himself in whispering 
to his men of the terrible fight that might be anticipated, the 
overwhelming number of the rebels, and the necessity of their 
keeping wide awake. Occasionally he would come to our 
officers with a little gratuitous advice, which, according to my 



104 harper's ferry and bolivar. 

recollection, was not very gratefully received^ nor courteously 
responded to. 

On Wednesday morning a regiment of infantry, one of 
cavalry, and a section of Reynolds' Battery, went out to 
Charlestown, on a reconnoissance ; and the Naval Battery, on 
Maryland Heights, threw a nuhiber of shells over to Loudon. 
While these things were going on at some distance from us, 
the 60th made an attack in force on a large hog who attempted 
to pass through our camp, and, after a great deal of " skir- 
mishing," much '^ strategy/^ and many '^ changes of base," 
he was shot down directly in front of the Colonel's tent. - The 
animal was weighed, that in case an owner called it might be 
paid for ; but, as no one ever made any claim, the Subsistence 
Department got so much gain. 

The force that went out towards Charlestown drove the 
rebels out of that place; but they were immediately reinforced, 
and compelled our troops to retire. More troops were sent 
out to cover the retreat, which was done in good style, we only 
losing one captain and eight men, captured by the rebels. It 
was reported by the troops which came in that the enemy was 
rapidly advancing. 

At this time Brigadier-General John P. Slough arrived, 
and took command of our Brigade, then called the Second, 
and composed of the 78th and 60th N. Y., 3d Delaware, Pur- 
nell Legion, 2d Battalion 1st Maryland Cavalry, and Battery 
K 1st N. Y. Artillery, Capt. Lorenzo Crounse. 

General Slough had seen service in New Mexico, and had 
gained honor as Colonel of the 1st Colorado Volunteers, 
having made a forced march with them — an infantry regiment 
— of 160 miles in four days, and fought the battle of Pidgeon's 
Ranche. He detailed Adjutant Gale as his Assistant Adju- 
tant-General, and Colonel Goodrich appointed Lieutenant N. 
M. Dickinson to act as Ptegimental Adjutant. 

Anticipating an attack, we formed a new line of battle, and 
waited for the rebels, but saw nothing of them, except a small 



\ 



harper's ferry and bolivar. 105 

body of cavalry, which occasionally emerged from a point of 
woods about two miles up the road. We shelled the woods, 
but got no response. 0\n> troops slept -on their arms that 
night, and had no disturbance. 

The next morning our pickets were driven in, the enemy 
opening on them with artillery and infantry. We prepared 
again to receive them should they advance ; but, after waiting 
two or three hours, and not seeing anything of them, a squad- 
ron of cavalry was sent out to ascertain their position. When 
near Halltown, about four miles out, they were suddenly fired 
upon by a battery concealed in a point of woods, and beat a 
hasty retreat, followed by the rebels to within two miles of 
camp. The battery on our right opened on the rebels, and 
for several minutes they returned the fire, but their shot fell 
far short of us. 

At 11 o'clock in the evening, as everything was quiet, I 
rolled myself in my blankets, and went to sleep, but was 
wakened in about an hour after by Colonel Goodrich, who in- 
formed me that we were about to change our position. 

The First Brigade, under General Cooper, went over to Mary- 
land Heights, and the Second took position on Camp Hill. 
The baggage train covered the retreat — a new arrangement in 
military aflairs, but Robertson was courageous, and the thing 
was done in splendid style. Our Quartermaster was «t this 
time at the Ferry, assisting a venerable Saint,* who found 
the sudden pressure at the Commissary Department too much 
for his infirmities. 

Camp Hill was immediately above the village of Harper's 
Ferry, and its occupation, according to General Saxton, pre- 
sented a two-fold advantage : first, that being much less ex- ' 
tended, it could be held by a smaller force, the enemy, from 

* Daniel Saint, a very pleasant old gentleman, who had suf- 
fered in the loss of his property in Florida by the rebels, was, 
from sympathy, made a Commissary. 



106 HARPER^S FERRY AND BOLIVAR, 

the nature of the ground, being unable to bring into action a 
larger force than our own ; secondly, that it would enable us 
to bring our Naval Battery on the Maryland Heights to bear 
uj^on the enemy as they advanced down the declivity of Boli- 
var Heights into the valley which separates it from Camp 
Hill. They would thus be exposed for a considerable time to 
a heavy fire from this formidable battery, whose great eleva- 
tion would enable it to throw shells directly over the heads of 
our own forces on Camp Hill into the faces of the advancing 
foe. 

On Friday, we sent out a large body of sharpshooters from 
our regiment, to support a section of battery, and ascertain, 
if possible, the position and strength of the rebels. As they 
showed themselves on Bolivar, the enemy opened a fire of 
musketry from the entire length of their line, which was 
promptly responded to by the rifles, and with grape and canis- 
ter from the cannon. What damage, if any, was done the 
rebels, I never heard; but all they efiected on us was to hit 
the hub of one of our caisson wheels with a six-pound round 
shot, and slightly scratch a finger of one of the members of 
Company " A,^^ with a stone thrown up by a bursting shell. 

Some time in the afternoon, the pickets were called in, and 
word sent to the citizens of Bolivar that they would all be 
requii^d to come within our lines by sunset, as the place 
would, in all probability, be shelled in the evening. 

As night approached, it began to rain ; and the darkness 
cameon'swiftly. The rebels' signal-lights were numerous and 
constant. It was supposed by General Saxton that the rebels 
had crossed the Heights, and were advancing on us. General 
Slough opened on them, from Camp Hill, with two batteries, 
and the heavy guns on Maryland Heights sent their large 
shells over our heads. It was one of the most magnificent 
and impressive scenes one could ever witness ! The rain fell 
in torrents; the frequent and dazzling lightning lit up the 
giant mountains on either side, while the crash of thunder 



harper's terry and bolivar. 107 

echoing witli terrific power among the hills, drowned into com- 
parative insignificance the roar of our artillery. One-half of 
our men sought shelter and sleep, while the others stood in 
line, ready for action ; and so they alternated every three 
hours during the night. After the firing was over, I disposed 
of myself on the "soft side of a board" in an old building 
which the Band had taken possession of, and got through 
the night in a tolerably comfortable manner. 

Saturday was occupied in a reconnoissance, chiefly by the 
cavalry, supported by sharpshooters. They scoured the coun- 
try around for a distance of four or five miles, but found no 
enemy. It was evident, however, where their line of battle 
had been the night before, and that a shell from the Naval 
Battery had fallen on their centre. 

Late in the afternoon, our baggage, which had been put on 
the cars and taken across the river, was brought back, and we 
put up tents, expecting a comfortable night; but just towards 
evening, it was reported that two of our cavalry had deserted 
to the enemy, and it became necessary that we should be on 
duty to guard against surprise. It was another stormy night, 
and very uncomfortable, so that, although the next day was 
Sunday, it did not seem right that the men, after being ob- 
liged to spend most of the forenoon in cleaning their rifles and 
attending to inspection, should also be compelled to attend 
religious service. The remaining hours of the day were 
literally, and, I believe, properly devoted to rest. 

The month of May closed with Saturday, and I find a 
record that during May I mailed 5283 letters. After this 
time I was not able to keep any postal register, owing to the 
irregularity of the mails. My custom was to write to my 
family every day, and to forward the letters as fast as oppor- 
tunity ofi'ered, being sometimes compelled to keep them on 
hand two or three weeks. 

From the pages of that record, I now draw for most of what 
follows. 



108 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 



VI. 

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

On Monday, June 2d, Major-Greneral Franz Sigel arrived 
at Harper's Ferry, and took command of the forces. Gen. 
Saxton returning to Washington. The previous night had 
been quiet, the men were rested, in good health and spirits, 
and enthusiastic on receipt of the order designating 4 P. M. as 
the hour to commence a march up the Valley. • 

The teams were to be loaded with rations, and ten men from 
each Company were left under charge of Lieut. Spencer to 
guard the tents and personal baggage we could not then take 
with us. 

We were ready at the time appointed, but a delay occurred 
somewhere, and it was 8 o'clock before we received the final 
order to " Fall in." Meanwhile, for two hours it had been 
raining in torrents. » On the average the mud was ankle-deep, 
and in many places tested the resisting quality of some of the 
longest-topped boots. 

^' This will be tough for the men," said an Aid, addressing 
himself to the General. " Yes," replied Sigel, with a strong 
foreign accent, " but we must get accustomed to it." 

We moved slowly, and soon wearily. When about five miles 
out, and at about midnight, we came to" a halt, temporarily, 
as we supposed, but we remained there till morning. It was 
too dark to make any choice of resting place ; we therefore 
lay down wherever the mud seemed shallowest, and got such 
snatches of sleep as the circumstances would allow. 

At daylight the march was resumed. Charlestown, five miles 
from the Ferry, was reached about 7 o'clock. There were 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 109 

many sour-faced inhabitants visible. John Brown had been 
hung there, and as our troops remembered it and sung lustily, 
^' His soul goes Marching on," it was not noticed that their 
comfort was materially increased. A short halt was made here, 
improved by the men in filling their canteens, and by a num- 
ber of the mounted officers in looking about the place. The 
population is estimated, I believe, at 1500, and the village is 
very prettily built up. The place is named for Col. Charles 
Washington, brother of the General, who formerly owned the 
land. 

At 3 P. M., we had marched four miles further south, and 
came to a halt for the day at a place called Smithfield. Here 
we formed two lines, one to the front and one to the rear of 
bur camp ; and as all were both hungry and sleepy, meals 
were hurriedly eaten, and sleep soon became general. Before 
dark, however, it began to rain again, and for twenty-four hours 
it came down in uninterrupted torrents. It was hard to get 
" accustomed " to it, but nothing else was left us. 

Shortly after daylight we pushed on. The sudden and 
severe exposure had deranged all my physical functions, and 
made me very weak. Dr. G-ale administered a powerful as- 
tringent in a strong stimulant, and temporary relief followed, 
but we had hardly gone a mile, before, at a temporary halt 
under a covered bridge, I had premonition of fainting, and 
pushing out into the rain, would have fallen from my horse, 
had not the troops standing about caught me. A draught 
from Capt. Godard's camphor-bottle set me to rights. When 
Bonney came up with the ambulance, I gave him my horse 
to ride, and took his place as driver. The rain made over- 
coats and blankets wet and heavy, so oppressively so that many 
commenced throwing them away early in the day, and soon 
the road was strewn with them. Many knapsacks shared the 
same fate, and as the sand washed into the men's shoes and 
stockings, a great many found relief in being barefooted, and 
dropped shoes and stockings wherever they could get them 
10 



110 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

off. The Opequan and Abraham creeks were both forded. 
Ordinarily accomplished dry-shod by stepping from rock to 
rock, but now so swollen by the rains, that the best the men 
could do was to pass through where it was waist-deep. 

At starting in the morning, two regiments of infantry were 
in advance of the Sixtieth, but by noon so many had fallen 
out, that Gen. Sigel ordered us to push past the few who re- 
mained in our advance, and to take and retain position im- 
mediately in rear of the Battery. The order was obeyed, and 
the regiment received much praise from the General for its 
efficiency and discipline. 

At four P. M. we entered Winchester, having marched 
fourteen miles literally through mud and water since morning. 
The loyal citizens received us with enthusiasm, the rebel por- 
tion peeped at us through closed shutters. 

Our regiment was quartered in the City Hall, a large two- 
story building, where we found rest. Some upper rooms in a row 
of buildings north of the hall, the former occupants of which 
are in the rebel service, were taken by the Field and Staff 
officers, and for Hospital purposes. One of these rooms was 
filled with tobacco, which the soldiers soon appropriated to 
their own use. Some of it, I believe, found its way to St. 
Lawrence Co., as did also a large number of law books, the 
property of an attorney, then an officer in the rebel army. 

General Stonewall Jackson and his forces had evacuated 
the city the previous Saturday, taking with them a large num- 
ber of prisoners. All our own wounded — those injured in 
General Banks' retreat — were left behind, as were a great 
number of sick and wounded rebels. Of the former, I at- 
tended the funerals of eight during our stay in the city.* 



* H. Bosmore, 2d Massachusetts ; J. Terwilliger, T. M. Ken- 
ney, Andrew Ritchie, 46th Pennsylvania ; Arnold Kyler, 84th 
Pennsylvania ; W. Limburger, 1st Maryland ; Robert Husten, 
62dOhio; H.Albright, 27th Indiana. 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. Ill 

The 60th was detailed to assist the Provost Marshal in 
keeping order in the city. The day after our arrival a 
large force was sent out on a general scouting expedition. 
From all directions of the country round they brought in 
prisoners, guns, ammunition, Confederate flags, and other*con- 
cealed rebel property. Many wounded rebel officers were 
found in private houses; and a large amount of property 
stolen from General Banks was recovered. 

For several days, until the depredations on the railroad could 
be repaired, all our subsistence stores were brought by teams 
from the Ferry. Not much could be bought in Winchester, 
and the officers, not allowed to draw from the men's rations, 
found it difficult to obtain all the necessaries of life. We 
therefore anticipated Pope's famous order, and, for a while, 
lived on the country. Lyman Root probably remembers the 
nice fat hens which lie and Clark brought down with their 
pistols. 

On the Gth, the troops were all paraded in front of their 
quarters, for the purpose of welcoming the returning column 
of General Banks, the vanguard of which marched in late in 
the afternoon, and were greeted with a reception which was, 
I believe, as acceptable to them as it was heart-felt in those 
who gave it. The same evening our Band gave a serenade 
to Generals Sigel and Slough, both of whom made responsive 
speeches. . I have lost the notes taken on the occasion, but 
very well remember that Captain Godard was particular to 
remind me not to forget the closing remarks, which made such 
special reference to the good things to be had by going up 
stairs ! 

The day following General Sigel reviewed the First Bri- 
gade — General Cooper's — which was encamped about two 
miles south of us. Several of the Second Brigade went out 
to witness it. The troops made a very fine appearance. 

The next day was Sunday. General Slough sent his Adju- 
tant over to request me to occupy a church, if possible, and, 



112 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY, 

if a vacant one was found, to take possession. Search was 
made, but all fit for use were occupied. Tlie regiment, there- 
fore, paraded in the City Hall yard, and the Band and myself 
occupied the steps. A few citizens gathered round, several 
from other regiments joined us, and we held an appropriate, 
and, I trust, a profitable service. Prayer was ofi"ered, hymns 
sung, solemn music played. Psalm xxxiv. was read, and such 
remarks as it suggested followed. 

On Monday I obtained leave of absence for five days, and 
started for Baltimore, chiefly to accomplish two things — to 
send North some $2,500 the men had retained from their last 
pay, and were now anxious to place where it could do the most 
good ; and also to see if I could not, either in Baltimore or 
Washington, bring such influences to bear as would result in 
having our four Companies, still remaining at the Relay, join 
us in the field. JMajor James was telegraphed to meet me on 
the road, and we arranged for a conference with Gen. Wool. 
On Wednesday we obtained an interview with his Assistant 
Adjutant-General, who, after showing us that they had no 
authority to order the four Companies to march, forwarded a 
letter, written by Major James, to the War Department — the 
letter containing a statement of the facts of the case, and of 
the strong desire of all in the Regiment that the command 
should be brought together. Nothing ever came of it. 

On the 14th, I reported again to the Regiment. The 
weather was intensely hot, and, as the last eleven miles of the 
journey were performed on foot, and I had quite a load to 
carry, and two deep streams to ford, I got some notion of what 
marching was. The Regiment had moved camp during my 
absence, and I found them at Camp Sigel, on a very pleasant 
ground, two miles south of the village. 

Considerable fear was entertained that the rebels would get 
in our rear. A council of war was held. General SigeFs de- 
cision was : " We must not go back — our honor is on it; we 
must go forward." Company H, of the 60th, was sent eighteen 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY, 113 

miles east, to Snicker's Ferry, to watch the movements of 
the enemy there ; and on the 16th we got orders to be in rea- 
diness to march at 8 o'clock the next morning. The teams 
were sent to Harper's Ferry for our baggage, and we all cheer- 
fully got ready for a move, excejDt the Band. Mr. Wright, 
the leader, had just got back from a brief trip to Baltimore, 
and his men were unanimous in their entreaties to him to get 
the Colonel's consent to their, discharge. Subsequently he 
made the attempt, but failed, of course. During the rest of 
their stay with us they were very much discontented. With- 
out intending them any injustice, I here record what I several 
times said to them in person : they complained without just 
cause ', their exposures were no more than fell to the lot of 
their companions ; their duties not as arduous, nor their hard- 
ships near so great. Their music never sounded half so sweet 
at any time when we were in permanent camp and barracks 
as it did at the close of a weary march, at evening parade, or 
in the Sabbath service, or at the burial of the dead. They 
did not fully appreciate its power under §uch circumstances, 
but others felt and owned its soothing and ennobling influence. 
I regret the unwillingness with which they continued with us, 
but more deeply deplore the mistaken economy of the Govern- 
ment in discharging the Regimental Bands. 

Our march, on the 17tli, was a very pleasant one. It wa# 
through a rich agricultural region, grain waving all around 
us, and sweet perfumes, from beautiful fields of clover in full 
blossom, filling the air. Concerning the early settlement of 
that region, I find the following on record : 

" The first German settler who came to Virginia was one Jacob 
Stover, who went there from Pennsylvania, and obtained a grant 
of five thousand acres of land on the Shenandoah. The story 
runs that, on his application to the Colonial Governor of Virginia 
for a grant of land, he was refused, unless he could give satisfac- 
tory assurance that he would have the land settled with the 
required number of families within a given time. Being un- 
able to do this, he went over to England, and petitioned the 
10* 



114 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

King himself to direct the issuing of his grant ; and in order to 
insure success, had given human names to every horse, cow, hog, 
and dog he owned, and which he represented as heads of fami- 
lies, ready to settle the land. His Majesty, ignorant that the 
Williams, Georges and Susans, seeking royal consideration, were 
some squealing in pig-pens, others braying in the luxuriant 
meadows for which they petitioned, issued the huge grant ; and 
to-day there is serious reason to suppose that many of the 
wealthiest and oldest families around Winchester are enjoying 
their lands by virtue of titles given to ancestral flocks and 
herds.'' 

The inhabitants of this valley, be it remembered, are very 
tenacious of their rights and standing as First Family Vir- 
ginians ! 

Availing myself of the privilege of riding either at the 
front or rear, I pushed on in advance, and enjoyed an hour or 
more in a visit with General Greene, whom I found in good 
health and most excellent spirits. Prompt and glad to obey 
the order which sejit him to the front, he was confident, from 
former experience, having just participated in General Banks' 
reverses, that, unless we were strongly reinforced, we would 
all come back in a great hurry ! 

In passing through Newtown, one of our men detected a 
Juan dressed as a citizen, sitting at a window, with pencil and 
paper in hand, counting and noting down the number of our 
forces. A negro employed by an officer in the 1st Regiment 
District of Columbia Volunteers, recognized the man as a 
Captain of Artillery, whom he had seen in the rebel service 
at Bull Run. We took him along with us, and he was sub- 
sequently sent to Washington. 

At 4 P. M., we went into camp 13 miles south of our start- 
ing point in the morning. General Slough named the place 
Camp Tait, for the commander of the District of Columbia 
Volunteers, the senior Colonel in our Brigade. 

The next afternoon. Company ^'H" rejoined" us. At 
Snickers', they had pressed a horse and cart into tlie service, 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 115 

and using these for the conveyance of their knapsacks, had made 
an easy march. A big-headed dwarfisli boy, who had followed 
some portion of the army ever since the first troops left New 
York city, and who answered to the name of ^^ Bull Run/' 
drove their team. This somewhat comical little fellow re- 
mained with us several we^ks, but one day disappeared as 
suddenly as he came. 

General Slough made his headquarters at the residence of 
a Mr. Heater, a full-blown specimen of the hen-pecked class ; 
a very innocent-appearing creature, who, when his wife was 
about, knew his place most admirably, and " governed himself 
accordingly." Mrs; H. was an ornament to the rebel cause. 
She rarely spoke without lying, and always brought her hus- 
band forward to prove her stories, who, of course, never con- 
tradicted her. It was deemed advisable to search the pre- 
mises, as muskets, ammunition, etc., had been found secreted 
in several houses in the neighborhood. She was deeply in- 
jured at the thought of suspicion being fastened on her 
house; but when the search disclosed large quantities of 
military clothing and blankets, ordnance stores, and the 
smaller parts of camp equipage generally, she affirmed that, 
it was all private property, and the gifts of friends; and, on 
appeal to Mr. Heater, he supported the declaration ! The 
dear creatures found it impossible, however, to sleep the night 
after the search, but rose at midnight, and, knocking at the 
General's door, earnestly desired to take, the oath of allegiance 
immediately. They were put off till morning, when Adjutant 
Gale drew up and administered an oath which, whatever 
other peculiarity it may have had, certainly was not weak! 
No more effective, however, in regulating their future course, 
than the administration of a similar obligation to others of that 
rattlesnake brood ; a custom, which, as a general thing, may 
in time of war be very properly superseded by the gallows. 

This beautiful couple had a son commissioned in the rebel 
army. His wife and little child remained with them ; and a 



116 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

slave woman in the kitchen had also a child of about the same 
age, and bearing a near resemblance to the white woman's 
baby. Frequently the wife beat the slave, and while we were 
there she had been most shamefully whipped. On leaving i 
the place Gen. Slough reminded the family that they might ! 
some day expect him to return^ and that a general skinning 
would follow if he should learn that they continued the • • j 
practice of their barbarities. ^j 

It became necessary for us to draw on the citizens for for- 
age, during our stay in that neighborhood, and in two in- 
stances I accompanied Lieut. Gleason, Acting Quartermaster, 
and Commissary-Sergeant Eobertson, in search of it. Our 
first visit was to the farm of an ancient woman, who, while 
we were taking some corn from the crib, took occasion to 
lecture us on our sins, and on the fate that awaited us, and 
the Federal soldiers generally, at the day of judgment. Pto- 
bertson and myself being satisfied with the recompense of 
the present, attended to the duties of the hour alone, only ad- 
dressing the old lady from time to time with the respect due 
to her years, and even exceeding the ordinary requirements 
of civility, by calling her mother. But Gleason fell in with 
her theory, but difiering in its application, they administered 
consolation to each other by assigning, the one the Federals, 
and the other the rebels, to eternal perdition ! 

We were anxious to* obtain some butter for our own use, 
and would gladly have paid any reasonable price for a few 
pounds. The old lady insisted, however, that she had none, 
not even enough for her own table. At this juncture, the 
daughter, who had been to Middletown to obtain a safeguard, 
reached home. She was very furious in her feelings, and de- 
cidedly emphatic in expressing them. " Oh, if I only had a 
pistol, how quick I would shoot you I" said she. With the 
courtesy and gallantry becoming the chivalrous State in which 
we spoke, we tendered her the use of our own, but she spurned 
our offer ! 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. * 117 

Soon she discovered that the drivers, who had gone to the 
spring house for a drink of water, had found and taken some 
butter, and with great indignation she reproached us that not 
being content with .taking a poor woman's corn, we also allowed 
our men to steal butter. Our first impulse was to order the 
men to return it, but Gleason concurring with us in the pro- 
priety of applying in this instance the theory of present 
recompense, we rendered judgment thus : 

Mother has said that she has no butter. We ought not to 

question her veracity. This, therefore, is not hers; and since 

we want butter, and are willing to pay for it, we will add more 

to this and take it to camp, and when the owner appears, all 

„ claims shall be satisfied. 

No one called on us for pay, but perhaps a demand may be 
made on the Grovernment at the same time the bill for the 
corn is presented, the latter to be paid for, according to the 
receipt we gave, " on proof of the loyalty of the owner.'^ 

Returning from this excursion, we stopped for a moment's 
rest at the residence of a woman whose husband had been 
taken south for refusal- to bear arms against the United States. 
She informed us that during Gen. Banks' retreat a large num- 
ber of guns had been secreted in a piece of woods near her, 
and although many had since then been taken away by the 
citizens, doubtless, some still remained. 

On reaching camp. Col. Goodrich ofi'ered me a detachment 
of men for the purpose of searching the woods. After dinner 
I took fifty men and went out. We found no- ordnance stores, 
but came upon three rebel baggage wagons, of huge dimen- 
sions, hidden in the forests. Teams were obtained from camp, 
and we brought them in. The largest, a huge wagon over 
twenty feet long, Robertson determined to take north, for 
camp meeting purposes, using* a good mule team to draw it, 
and furnish instrumental music and groaning for the occasion. 
. While at Middletown, drills were regularly attended to every 
day, and a large force was constantly emploj-ed on picket duty; 



118 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

notwithstanding all which the men were sufficiently rested to 
scour the country at night, and to bring in large quantities of 
milk, honey, mutton, eggs, poultry, vegetables and soft bread. 
The surviving members of the old Color Guard have probably 
not forgotten thqir exploits in that line ! 

On the 18th, we were reinforced with artillery. Twenty- 
four pieces arrived, and were equally distributed to the two 
brigades. This increased the number in our brigade to thirt}'- 
two; of which four were smooth-bore twelve-pounders, and 
the balance rifled six-pounders, throwing a ten-pound shell. 

At Harper's Ferry I had taken a runaway negro from 
Jackson's army, to be my servant. He was not remarkably 
neat, but was very faithful, and remained with me about six 
months. While we were at Winchester he fell in love with 
a, colored girl residing there ; and, after our leaving, soon 
began to importune me to write her a letter for him. I wrote 
what I thought was a very affectionate note, but he thought 
it needed some addition, as he wanted to " pop de question 
right off V He therefore insisted on adding this : 

*' De ribbers are wide, an' de seas are deep — 
In your sweet arms I wish to sleep ; 
Not for one night, nor for two or three, 
But as long as you.an' I can agree. 

Ditto V 

1 remonstrated that that was not a very modest way of pre- 
senting the matter. " Don' know noffing 'bout dat," said he ; 
'^dat's de way we allers does." 

" When we Yankees get married, it is for life ; not, simply, 
' as long as we can agree.' That would make bad business." 

" Well, you don' catch colored folks dat way ! S'pose, now, 
I marry dat gal, an' one ob dese days she get saucy, think I 
goin' to stay wid her den? No, sir; t get somebody else 
den ! Don' catch us married no longer dan we can agree !" 

" But what do you want that ' Ditto' in there for ? What 
does it mean ?" 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 119 

" Don' know what it means. It's miglity ,nice word^ I 
reckon, an' we allers puts it in our love letters.'^ 

On the 20th, I went on another foraging expedition. The 
party was composed as before, with the addition of Cornish, 
the Hospital Steward, who thought it might furnish him with 
an opportunity to pick up some delicacies for the sick. 

We went about two and a half or three miles, to the resi- 
dence of a Mr. Stickles. He had no corn, he said, but about 
200 bushels of wheat. We took about 28 bushels ; but as 
there was a great deal of chaff in it, we made the best bargain 
wo could for Uncle Sam, and only receipted for 20 bushels. 

"While the others were loading the wheat, Cornish was 
cracking away with his pistol at the hens, and, I believe, 
brought down three ; and I got in conversation with a lad at 
the rear of the granary, whom I supposed was the son of the 
proprietor. He informed me, however, that he was not his 
son, but his slave ', that his mother was a black woman living 
at a public house in Newtown. I could hardly believe the 
story, as the boy was whiter than many we had in our regi- 
ment, had straight hair, and little or nothing of the negro in 
his features. 

Inquiring how he fared, and if he would not like his free- 
dom, he replied that he was often badly treated, and would 
like to be free, but did not dare to attempt it, for fear of the 
consequences if he should be caught. I offered to take him 
with us, but he did not dare to go. Calling the attention of 
the others to him, they were at first as sceptical as myself as 
to his position on the place. " See here," said Lieutenant 
Gleason to Mr. Stickles, " isn't this your son ?" " No ; he 
is my slave." " Well, he looks near enough like you to be 
your son, and I believe he is. At all events, you are the 
greatest scoundrel I ever saw if you hold a white boy like 
that in slavery !" 

We went away in no very good humor. Our one thought 
was, That boy ought to be free ! To get out to the road, we 



120 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

were obliged to drive through the man's pasture. Feeling 
that we had done wrong in receipting for the wheat to such a 
brute, we selected a good fat steer from the cattle feeding 
around us, and drove him on in front of our teams. A negro 
ran after us, crying most bitterly, and imploring us not to 
take it away. It had been given him by his owner, who 
rented him to the man on whose place we were, and he soon 
expected to reap some benefit from it, as in a few weeks he 
was to have his freedom. We allowed him to drive the 
beast back ; but were in doubt afterwards of the truth of his 
story, believing that his master compelled him to lie. 

A little further on we saw another slave we had noticed at 
the house, hunting cattle in the woods. We hailed him, and 
entered into conversation. He confirmed all that we had 
heard about the white boy. Questioning him as to his own 
treatment, he said it was very hard at times, and that he had 
been very badly whipped. He thought that sometimes he 
could feel thick places on his back where the whip had been. 
At our request he removed his shirt. Simultaneously we 
exclaimed, on looking at his back, ^' My God V We had all 
read of scarred backs, but this surpassed all description. It 
was one continuous scar, and the ridges, thick as our fingers, 
which the whip had made, crossed it in all directions ! David 
never cursed his enemies more roundly than we then cursed 
from our inmost hearts the monstrous fiend and enemy of ; 
humanity who had occasioned this. We at once determined 
on further action. The slave promised to meet us on that 
spot at dark, and to bring the white boy with him; we agree- 
ing to deliver and protect them. 

At night I obtained the countersign, and Gleason, Kobert- 
son,and myself, mounted our horses, and went to the appointed 
place. The slave was not there. We waited awhile, but he 
did not come. It was rumored in camp that rebel cavalry 
had been seen in that neighborhood in the afternoon, but we 
determined on running the risk of carrying out our purpose; 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 121 

SO taking our pistols in one hand, and our reins in the other, 
we pushed on to the house. All was dark and silent there. 
We alarmed the inmates, and demanded the white boy. He 
was sent out, and, though at first afraid of us, and reluctant 
to go, we succeeded in disabusing him of the lies he had heard 
concerning the Yankees, and he at last consented that Robert- 
son should help him to mount behind me on my horse. 

Were men ever happier than we three as we rode home- 
ward ? I doubt it. 

" For once," said Gleason, " if I never did it before, I am 
persuaded that I have now done God's service." 

Robertson replied, with energy, " If this is not doing it, 
nothing ever can be ; and there is no use in having a God !" 

" Amen !" was my response. " This is the proudest and 
the happiest moment of my life, and I thank God for our suc- 



cess 



I" 



. With such happy and grateful thoughts and utterances, we 
rode back to camp, the emancipated boy and myself in the 
centre, Robertson on the right, Gleason on the left — "A 
Guard of Honor, now, if never before," said they.* 

On Sunday, the 22d, we held religious services at 6 P. M. 
Rev. Mr. Carpenter,f Chaplain of the 1st D. C. Volunteers, 

* It was our intention to have sent George to St. Lawrence 
County, but no favorable opportunity offered. He was a very 
active and intelligent lad, and we hoped to have given him the 
advantages of an education. He was sick in August, and 
sent out of Virginia with many others in like condition. We 
never could learn what hospital received him, nor what his fate. 
He was very happy while with us, and we were always glad that 
we made him free. AVe learned from him that Stickles had been 
a soldier in the rebel army. 

t Mr. Carpenter was taken sick with typhoid fever in August, 
went home, and died. He was a good man, always at his post, 
and much beloved by his regiment. I think that he was con- 
nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
11 



122 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

officiated witli me. It was the first and last time that I had 
a chaplain near enough to me to enjoy that privilege. 

The next day we got. word that there was no probability that 
our four Companies would be permitted to join us. The in- 
telligence affected us sadly ; and so confident were we that 
Colonel Goodrich might, by a personal application at Wash- 
ington, obtain them, that he applied for and received leave of 
absence for that purpose. At this time, however, he was 
taken sick with dysentery, and remained ill so long that the 
project was abandoned. 

The same day the resignation of Second Lieutenant Lyman 
M. Shedd was accepted. He had been for some time a great 
enemy to himself, so giving way to his appetite as to destroy 
his usefulness. Subsequently the Governor commissioned 
Charles T. Greene, a son of Brigadier-General Greene, to fill 
the vacancy, with rank from July 21st. Lieutenant Greene 
did no service with the Regiment, but was at once detailed as 
an Aid on his father's staff. 

On the 24th, we moved camp about three miles farther 
south, on the banks of a very pretty little stream, called CedaT 
creek. The General named the place " Camp Goodrich/' for 
our Colonel. It was a beautiful spot. Three-top Mountain 
was to our right, the Blue Ridge in front, and stretching far 
off to our left. Wholly surrounded by woods, we were com- 
pletely hidden from any point of observation south of us. 

In the afternoon W^illiam, my contraband, importuned me 
to write another letter for him, at the conclusion of which he 
put in the following : 

"As green as de leaves of de willow trees, - 
Winchester ladies is hard to please, 
Their shoes are bright, their stockings are white, 
Shall I get married to-morrow night ? 
No, ma'am ! — I am too, young — I am too sniall — 
So put it off till de coming Fall ; 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 123 

But when you hear the shepherd cry, 

Says, ' Come, Miss Carter, an' be my bride !' 

We hab no long time to tarry. 

When I am dead, an' in my grave, 

My bones as white as cotton, 

If Miss Carter will think of me, 

I nebber will be forgotten. 

I can handle a musket, 

I can smoke de pipe. 

And I can kiss de pretty yellar gal 

At ten o'clock at night ! — Ditto !" 

Two days afterwards, as he had received an answer to his 
first letter, he insisted on sending another- I agreed to 
write, provided he would dictate every word of it. I could 
not resist keeping a copy, and here it is verbatim: 

Camp Goodrich, 
Near Strasburg, Warren County, Ya., 
June 26, 1862. 
My Dear Miss Carter : 

Mr. Moss came from his unworthy dwelling to your happy 
residence, to obtain some word from your- sweet lips. 

Ditto. 

Mr. Moss has been very unwell since de last letter he 
wrote. I hope dis letter will find you well. 

How doth de little busy bee 

Improve de shining hour, 
And gather honey all de day 

From ebbery open flower. — Ditto. 

My dear Miss Carter, Mr. Moss has something on his mind 
he wishes to strain into the ears ob yourn, if you have no re- 
jection. Sunday morning, if I live and hab good luck, I 



124 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY, 

shall try to come up an' see j^ou, an' I hope you will be very 
happy to see me. 

My dear Miss Carter, my whole mind is on you all day an' 
all night, dat I cannot rest. If you had the feeling I hab 
for you, by the 10th day of October me and you might be as 
one. 

Dar is a tabbern in dis town, 

Whar my true lub goes an' sets down, 

She takes some strange gen'leman on her knee, 

'Cause she knew 'twas grief to me ! 

Yes ! an' I can tell de reson why : 

'Cause he wears more gold dan I ! 

His gold will rust, his silver will canker;' 

But dis' constant lub will nebber die ! 

Ditto ! 
My dear Miss Carter, nobody nebber will lub you so well 
as I. My whole heart is yours, an' I want you to let me 
know dat I hab yourn. 

I am an old bachelor, 
An' you is a maid 3 
Come, an' let us get married, 
An' not be afraid ! 

Ditto ! 

My dear Miss Carter, I'se took my pen in hand to write you 
a few lines. I hope dis letter will find you well ; also. Miss 
Stephenson. 

I think if you thought as much of me as I did of you, you'd 
write to me a little oftener. I think dat dar is somebody dat 
you fancy more so dan you do me. 

Against I come up next Sunday, I want you to buy up 
some cloth and make me. a couple of aprons, an' I will make 
it xill right when I come. 

Mr. Moss, when he comes up, wants you to prepare break- 
fast and supper for him, an' to have something nice, for he 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. . 125 

shan't bring any victuals with him, and he will only bring 
money enough in his pocket to board his horse oflf. I hope 
when he come, he will hab de pleasure ob walking wid you 
up an' down Main Street, one more time, if no more. 
Affectionately, yours, 

WILLIAM MOSS, Jr. | 

On the 26th, the men we had left behind at Harper's Ferry, 
came in. One of their number, Private John Kellison, of 
Company '^ ¥/' had died during their stay at the Ferry, June 
10th, of small-pox. 

On reaching camp. Lieutenant M. F. Spencer resigned, 
assigning as a cause, sickness in his family, and the pressure 
of important business at home demanding his attention. The 
resignation was accepted, and he left us the next day. 

At evening parade on the 26th, the first symptoms of that 
terrible sickness which subsequently became so general in 
the regiment, strikingly displayed themselves. While the 
Orders were being read, several were obliged, from exhaus- 
tion, to sit down in the ranks, one or two fainted and fell 
down ; and presently Lieutenant-Colonel Brundage, who was 
presiding, fell upon his face. 

It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to give any satisfactory 
theory of the cause of typhus fever in the army. It is the 
disease more to be dreaded than all others, invariably attended 
with great mortality, and leaving those who escape with life, 
victims to a host of disorders and weaknesses. Many chronic 
diseases follow it, and, in a great number of cases, life becomes 
a weary burden. Acclimation, though a very general and, in 
many of its applications, an indefinable term, seems to be the 
only word that can express the reason of this disease. So far 
as my own observation goes, it corroborates the following in 
the report of the Sanitary Commission : '' There is reason to 
think that the most sickness has occurred where regiments 
raised in far northern and highland districts have been moved 



126 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

to lowland, fluvial and seaboard districts ; those, for instance, 
from Maine and Vermont, the ridge counties of New York, 
and from Minnesota, being more subject to distiiict disease, 
as well as to demoralization, or ill-defined nostalgia, than others 
in the Army of the Potomac." 

General Sigel had ordered the organization of companies 
of sharpshooters, and quite a number were selected from our 
regiment. While at Camp Goodrich these men acted as 
scouts, and did good service. They pretty effectually searched 
the mountains in the vicinity, and succeeded in arresting 
several stragglers from the rebel army. On one occasion, I 
remember. Lieutenant Clark, of Company " A," who com- 
manded a detachment of this force, captured a rebel officer 
who had disguised his dress, was driving his horse by a rude 
rope bridle, and had his equipments rolled up in an old grain 
bag, and tied to his saddle. He was brought into camp, and, 
I think, sent to Washington. 

On the 29th, we got notice of the appointment of General 
Pope to the command of the Army of Virginia, and received 
an order from him to put ourselves in readiness, with an 
abundant supply of ammunition. The Quartermaster was 
also notified that, in the coming march, hard bread, coffee, 
sugar, salt, and cattle on the hoof, would be the only subsist- 
ence stores taken. 

The same day. Private Seth R. C. Thompson, of Company 
*^E," died, after two days' sickness, with dysentery. He was 
the only son of his parents, and, having insisted on enlisting 
at the time the regiment was organizing, his father concluded 
to enter the service also, that he might look after and care 
for him. The boy's sudden death was a severe trial to the 
father, and he bowed in great agony. The following morning 
a grave was dug among the young pines in front of the camp, 
and as we bore the remains to it, hundreds from adjoining 
regiments drew near, attracted by the solemn dirge of the 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY, 127 

Band, and listened in reverent silence to the simple service 
of burial. 

Later in the day, we were again mustered for pay. The 
Line Officers and men were mustered on the Ptegimcntal 
Parade, the Field, Staff and, Band went down to General 
Slough's Headquarters. 

Sickness in the regiment had interfered with the plans and 
arrangements of William Moss, Jr. The colonel's nephew, 
who came out as his servant, had been obliged to leave us at 
Camp Tait, and was now in Baltimore, very sick with typhoid 
fever; Lt.-Col. Brundage's boy was too much unwell to be of 
any service, and William, therefore, could not be spared to go 
and see his intended. He was in great grief, and insisted on 
sending on another letter. I offered to write on the same con- 
dition as before, and he dictated the following : 

" Camp Goodrich, June 30, 1862. 

My dear Miss Carter : Fse took my pen in my hand to 
write you a few lines. I hope dis letter may find you well. 

I was very sorry to disappoint you in comin', for all de Field 
and Staff was sick 'cepting me, derfore I couldn't come. I 
hope you won't take it to heart, for I'll come when I can. 

I has been very well, myself, but dat dime I put in de last 
letter I wrote, I hope you might bought some cakes with it. 

Here I stan' both ragged and dirty ; 

If Miss Carter don't kiss me, I'll run like a turkey. 

Here I stan' on two little chips, 

An' Miss Carter can kiss my sweet little lips. 

Ditto ! 
My dear Miss Carter : 

When I first come to see you 
Your lips was cherry-red ; 
Farewell, my false love ! 

Since you hab denied, I must perwide ! 

Ditto ! 



128 THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 

My dear Miss Carter, it is hard to be in lub and can't be 
lubed again. We expect to go down to Richmond in a few 
days; but I won't forget you, an' I hope you won't forget me. 

I has a true lub on de ocean, 

Seben long years she been at sea, 
An' if she stay away seben years longer. 

Nobody on earth shall marry me ; 
An' dat shall be Miss Carter ! Ditto ! 

It's now near Taps, and I'm 'bliged to close. 

If you lub me as I lub you, 
No knife can cut our lubs in two ; 
But scissors cut as well as knives. 
Fate's scissors soon may cut our lives. Ditto ! 
Adieu, Miss Carter ! 

William Moss, Jr. 
My dear Miss Carter, 

I want you to pray for me, 

An' I for you. 
'Cause dats de way 

God's gib us to do. 
If I nebber see you no more, 

I hope to meet you in Hebben, 
Where we'll part no more. Ditto ! 

Affectionately, yours, 

William Moss, Jr. 
Write soon, I 'se wants to hear from you mighty bad." 
Lieut.-Col. Brundage grew worse so fast, and in such an 
alarming manner, that he concluded that it was best for him 
to go home, and for that purpose readily obtained leave of 
absence for twenty days. His condition being such that it 
was not prudent for him to go alone, Gen. Slough gave me 
leave of absence for seven days, that I might accompany him 
as far as was necessary. We left camp on the afternoon of July 



THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 129 

1st, in a two- wheeled ambulance, — one of the most barbarous 
things for the torture of the sick and wounded, that was ever 
invented ! It was late in the evening when we landed at 
Taylor's hotel, in Winchester, where we paid three dollars for 
a supper consisting of a glass of milk, and for the privilege 
of occupying a bed in company with innumerable vermin. 
It was the best the place afforded, and there was enough of 
it, such as it was ! Early next morning we took cars for Har- 
per's Ferry, and from thence to Baltimore, arriving at the 
latter place at 3 P. M. After resting a few hours and ob- 
taining some nourishing food, the Lieut.-Colonel thought he 
felt strong enough to start for New York, and accordingly 
went in a sleeping car that evening. I remained at home till 
the morning of the 7th, and then started to rejoin the regiment. 



130 UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 



VII. 

UNNECESSAEY MARCHES. 

Stopping over night in Winchester, I learned that the troops 
had nearly all left the vicinity of Strasburg, and it was ex- 
pected that the rebels might make another raid up the valley. 
The citizens, although largely in sympathy with the rebellion, 
had no desire for another visit from their friends, and were 
therefore badly scared. 

On the morning of the 8th, I came across our Sutler, "VYm. 
P. Tilley, who had come to AVinch ester for a fresh supply of 
goods. Very fortunately for me, he could give me a chance 
to ride to the regiment with him, which I gladly accepted, 
and we started for Front Royal at 2 P. M. The heat was 
most intense, and, as the load was heavy, we moved very 
slowly. At 9 o'clock, having come 14 miles, we turned into 
an open field, about 6 miles north of Front Koyal, and help- 
ing ourselves from a field of fresh-cut wheat, to enough for 
the liorses, and for a bed for ourselves, made a comfortable 
resting place, and went to sleep. Starting on again, at five 
the next morning, we overtook our baggage train at noon, 
when, transferring myself to the wagon belonging to General 
Slough's Headquarters, we caught up with the regiment at 
about 5 P. M. 

The regiment had left Camp Goodrich on the 6th, and 
marched to Front Royal, where it remained till 4 A. M., on 
the 9th. 

Fred. J. Champlain, of Company '< A," was left behind at 



UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 131 

Camp Goodricli, sick. He died on tlie morning of the 7th, 
of bilious colic, and was buried beside young Thompson. 

Henry B. Kowley, of Company ^^ K," died on the 8th, at 
Academy Hospital, Winchester, of tyi^hus fever ; and was 
buried in the Presbyterian burial ground, at that place. 

At sunset, on the 9th, we came to a halt for the night in a 
grove near Washington Court House, Eappahannock County. 
At daylight, the next morning, it began to rain, andthinking 
it hardly probable that we were to go further in the storm, 
we put up our tents and prepared to be comfortable, but had 
hardly 'swallowed our breakfasts when the order came to 
inarch. General Cooper said we were to go but six miles, and 
having reached that point, we came to a halt, obedient to 
orders. Colonel Tait, who was temporarily in command of the 
Brigade, (General Slough having left us and gone to Wash- 
ington,) understood an Aid of General Cooper's that we were 
to stack arms in a field near by, and the line was nearly formed, 
when the Aid returned in great haste and excitement, and 
began to scold as well as his imperfect use of the English 
language would allow. Colonel Tait understood from what 
was said, that we were to go on ; but being very much vexed, 
he sent word back to General Cooper, that he wished he 
would send his orders by some one he could understand, and 
not by a d — d Dutchman ! The Colonel was rewarded for 
such an expression of desire by being placed under arrest ; 
and the charge of the Brigade devolved on Colonel Ullman. 

On we marched till 10 in the evening, when we came to 
Amissville, a small place of not more than 100 inhabitants, 
on the southwest bank of Hedgeman River, a branch of the 
Bappahannock, twenty-five miles from our camp the night 
before. The teams did not come up till some hours after, 
and consequently many of the officers slept cold, as the night 
dews all through that section of Virginia are very heavy, but 
Colonel Goodrich and myself having taken the precaution to 



132 UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 

keep a few blankets with us, used our saddles for pillows, and 
got comfortably througb the night. 

On Friday, we crossed the river at 9 A. M., and marched 
all day in a northeasterly direction, halting late in the after- 
noon, after having made about 17 miles, at a beautiful spot 
on a commanding eminence, about 4 miles southwest of War- 
renton. It was soon evident that we were in a region plenti- 
fully supplied with the means of living, for, in some way, as 
soon as it was dark, mutton, beef, chickens and vegetables 
came into camp in great abundance. • Cherries were also very 
plenty, and a very luscious berry, much like the Northern 
blackberry, but growing on a low running vine, and called 
by the citizens dewberries, were around us in large quantities. 

During the night of Saturday, Abraham Wells, of Com- 
pany " D," a very excellent old man, died after a brief illness, 
of typhus fever. We buried him on Sunday, in a grove at 
the left of our camp. 

We remained at this camp till the 17th, during which time 
sickness of a typhoidal type greatly increased ; and, to add to 
our discomfort. Dr. Gale was severely afl9icted with acute 
rheumatism, keeping him from rest and sleep. 

Not far from our camp was an old log meeting-house, known 
as the " Carter's Run Church," and belonging to the Regular 
Old School (Hardshell, I suspect) Baptists. It was far gone 
in decay, and evidently had not been used for a long time. 
Several printed documents were scattered about the floor, 
some of which I picked up and preserved as curious things. 
One of these contains the " Constitution of the Rappahannock 
Association, as amended in 1843." After asserting that they 
are " Gospelly Baptised believers," Article 3d says : 

"We believe that there are many institutions called henevolent, 
and by many esteemed consistent with the Scriptures, and con- 
sequently religious, that, as at present organized upon a money 
basis, are without Divine authority, destructive of the peace and 
harmony of the churches, and incousistcnt with due loyalty to 



UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 133 

the Great King in Zion, and reverence for His righteous man- 
dates, of which we will mention the Missionary, Bible, Temper- 
ance, Sabbath School, Tract and Mite Societies, Theological 
Seminaries, etc, which we believe to be at war with God's Word, 
and consequently have no fellowship for them.'' 

" The Circular Letter of tlie Tygart's Yalley River Asso- 
ciation, session of 1852/' gives, as the following extract will 
show, an idea of the complacency with which " The Gospelly 
Baptized '' regarded themselves : 

''We also have the testimony of God's word, that the Old 
School Baptists are the church of the living God, the pillar and 
the ground of truth : and that other denominations are no more or 
less than branches, or, sprouts from the Catholic stump, and that 
the popes of Rome originated from those corrupt men who crept 
into the church to spy out the liberties of God's people in the 
days of the Apostles, and by their stratagems gained the as- 
cendency, and in the days of Constantine received law power 
upon their side, and thus^the poor Christians were put to the rack, 
and torn to pieces in different ways, and for fear of the Romish 
inquisition they met in secret places in the night-time, in order to 
worship the God of heaven. Even the poor Waldenses were dis- 
turbed by them, and peace and harmony taken from the valley of 
Piedmont. Do you suppose for a moment that human nature is 
any better now than it was then? No, not one particle ; for they 
shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, and 
many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the 
way of truth shall be evil spoken of and your names cast out as 
evil. But be of good cheer ; Christ has overcome the world, and 
be thou faithful unto death, and you shall receive a crown of 
glory. Though the great beast the world is now wondering after 
may fill the land with his tracts and with his different false re- 
ligious books, and bias the minds of our youths, and get the law 
of power "pon his side, yet the Lord will save his heart's delight, 
for he that is our God is the God of salvation, and to God the 
Lord belong the issues from death. We took the position" that 
the Old School Baptists were the true church of the living God, 
and for proof, the doctrine which they hold and teach,, the world 
12 



134 UNNECESSARY MAtlCHES. 

does not and cannot receive, for the word of truth says, ye are 
not of the world, therefore the world will not hear you. While 
the doctrine of other Denominations the world will hear and re- 
ceive, which proves that they are of the world, for the world loves 
its own. Again, their doctrine limits the power and the glory 
of God ; while that which you advocate, brethren, gives him all 
the power and all the glory ; exalts him with an humble heart, 
and a contrite spirit, and makes him Lord of lords and King of 
kings. Then be not discouraged though the Cains may slay the 
Abels, though the Ishmaelites may grin and mock the Isaacs, 
though the Esaus may hate the Jacobs, though the Amalekitesmay 
wage war with the Israelites, though the 5*hilistines may invade 
the land of Canaan, though the Sauls may seek to slay the Davids, 
though Jezebels with all their train may try to put down the 
Elijahs, though the river may be red with the blood of the saints, 
as they were anciently, the Lord will bring you off more than 
conquerors, through the righteousness of his dear Son.''' 

While at this camp, we got a rumor that Gustavus Adolphus 
Scroggs had been appointed Brigadier-General, and assigned 
to our Brigade. Such of us as knew his political history and 
remembered Harper's Ferry, thought of the Church Liturgy, 
and prayed, " Good Lord deliver us I" In the midst of our 
sad apprehensions of his coming, who should appear to us, 
from Washington, with authority to take command of our 
brigade, but our good friend. Gen. George S. Greene. It put 
new life into us, and officers and men were ready to shout for 
joy ! Gen. Sigel having been transferred to Gen, Fremont's 
former Corps, Gen, Christopher C. Augur was sent by the 
War Department to take command of our Division. He was 
an officer in excellent repute among military men, and having 
found out where we were from, he thought he should be spe- 
cially interested in our regiment, by virtue of his having mar- 
ried his wife in Ogdensburgh. 

On the 14th, Lieut, N. M. Dickinson and a few others, 
including two of the Band, started out about noon, to hunt for 
some secrej^cd rebel pistols, which, somebody had told them, 



UNNECESSARY MARCHES, 135 

were in a piece of woods just outside our lines. They were 
to have returned at dark^ but having failed to come at noon 
the next day, we became anxious concerning them, and were 
just on the point of sending out our company of sharpshooters 
to search for them, when word was brought that they had 
been arrested by a cavalry guard, some ten miles beyond War- 
renton. On their coming in shortly after, they concluded 
they had not been on a very profitable job ! 

On the 16th, having received notice that we were to march 
early the next morning, we sent our sick men to Washington, 
from whence most of them were taken to Alexandria. 

The next, morning we were off at 5.30. Riding for awhile 
in company with Gen. Greene, he informed me that Gen. 
Pope's order for us to march" did not contemplate our poming 
to Warrenton, but that through the carelessness of the clerk, 
who copied the orders to send to the Generals in the field, 
'* five miles from Warrenton,'^ was substituted for " five miles 
from Sperryville,^' so in retracing our steps to get right again, 
we had about forty miles of unnecessary marching. 

As usual, we had not marched far when we were visited 
with a drenching rain. By the time we reached Hedgeman 
river, the stream was considerably swollen. The footmen 
crossed on a log bridge, and the artillery and a few baggage 
wagons forded the river, but it was impossible to get but a 
small portion of the train across. It .continued to rain till 
sunset, at which time we reached Gaines Cross Roads, and 
encamped in the very field where Col. Tait had formed 
his line a few days before. We had no tents, save the few 
pieces of shelter tent carried by the men, and as all our 
clothes and blankets were thoroughly drenched, the prospect 
was not very good for a comfortable night. Fortunately there 
were fences on the place, and a quantity of hay and straw in 
a barn belonging to the premises. Of the former we made 
good fires, and spread out the latter to lie on. At midnight, 
the storm poured down again with increased fury. I bur- 



136 UNNECESSARY MARCHES, 

rowed in the straw, and thought to completely envelop myself 
in my rubber blanket ; but it was of no avail, the waters rose 
under me, and the wet straw became an uncomfortable nest. 
A retreat to the fires was a necessity with all the officers long 
before daylight. 

In the morning there was a general search for something to 
eat. The rations, as also the cooking utensils, were with the 
teams. When we should again see them depended wholly on 
the length and violence of the storm. The farms far and near 
were visited, and all obtained something to appease hunger. 

I visited several slave huts, while out on this food-hunting 
expedition, and found in them all, as in- many others in differ- 
ent localities in Virginia, a striking exhibition of the beauty 
of that singularly beneficent system on which Jefi'erson'^avis 
and the Southern patriarchs propose to build the Southern 
Confederacy.* 

* The '* Richmond Examiner/^ of May 30, 1863, informs the 
world what the Southern Confederacy means. The picture is 
strongly painted, and there can be no mistake as to the meaning 
of the limner. It says: 

" If the Confederacy is at a premium, she owes it to herself. 
And so much the better. We shall be all the more free to run 
the grand career which opens before us, and grasp our own lofty 
destiny. Would that all of us understood and laid to heart the 
true nature of that career and that destiny, and the responsibility 
it' imposes! The establishment of the Confederacy is, verily, a 
distinct reaction against the whole course of the mistaken civiliza- 
tion of the age. And this is the true reason why we have been left ■ 
without the sympathy of the nations until we conquered that 
sympathy with the sharp edge of our sword. For * Liberty^ 
Equality, Fraternity/ we have deliberately substituted Slavery, 
Subordination, and Government. Those social and political 
proble^ns which rack and torture modern society, we have under- 
taken to solve for ourselves, in our own way, and upon our own 
principles. That 'among equals, equality is right;' among 
those who are naturally unequal, equality is chaos ; that there art 



UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 137 

The husband and wife, so-called — for marriage, among the 
blacks, in a slaveholding, especially in a slave-breeding, State, 
is only matter of form, convenience, and temporary interest to 
the master or owner — were generally black j but the children 
v/ere of all shades of complexion. Frequently in a family 
of six or eight children — the unifor^n number in most of the 
families I noticed — the illegitimate children very evidently 
outnumbered those of whom the black husband is the father. 
Some of these would readily pass for w^hite children, while 
others have all the peculiar marks of mulattoes, and ptill others 
seem to be purely African. It seems perfectly awful to the 
pretended owners of these poor creatures, that by amalgama- 
tion, sure, as they say — judging from their own tastes, evi- 
dently — to follow the abolition of slavery, such beings should 
legitimately come into the world, and have a fair start in the 
opportunities of existence ; but perfectly right, humane, and 
consistent with the will of God, that they should spring from 
mere beastly lust, and then minister to convenience and gain, 
as cattle do, the highest price being paid for those who mani- 
fest the greatest amount of the superior blood ! 

Possibly in writing this I may be doing injustice to the 
blessed institution of the South, and also unduly agitating the 
minds of personal friends at the North, who have heard, as is 
reported to me, that I have lost my Abolition proclivities since 
my experience in Dixie. In justice, therefore, to the first, 
and to soothe the latter, I will say that I attach all possible 

slave races horn to serve, master races bom to govern. Such are 
the fundamental principles which we inherit from the ancient 
world, which we lifted up in the face of a perverse generation 
that has forgotten the wisdom of its fathers ; by those principles 
we live, and in their defence we have shown ourselves ready to 
die. Reverently we feel that our Confederacy is a God-sent mis- 
sionary to the nations, with great truths to preach. We must 
speak them boldly ; and whoso hath ears to hear let him hear.'' 
12-^ 



138 UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 

importance to the theory based on the operations of the ele- 
phant, as manifest in the following incident : 

"In 1850, while Van Amburg & Co.'s Menagerie was travel- 
ling in Mississippi, Hannibal, their monster elephant, was ordered 
to swim the Black Warrior river, which was greatly swollen by a 
freshet. Instead, however, of crossing as directed, he started on 
a voyage of discovery down stream, emerging suddenly some 
twelve miles below where' he entered. He came ashore on the 
edge of a cotton-field, where a large number of slaves were at 
work, and the efi'ect produced among them by the unexpected 
and terrific apparition maybe imagined but cannot be described. 
The news spread, with all the exaggerations which would natu- 
rally be given to such an event, Avith incredible rapidity, and 
resulted in a general stampede of the entire colored population ■ 
of the country. It is even said by some that a good many of the 
darkies turned white with fright, and, as proof of this, numbers 
are pointed out in that region who have not yet fully regained 
their natural hne. It would hardly be fair, however, to hold 
Hannibal responsible for all the doubtful shades of complexion to 
he found in that vicinity ." 

I give this just as I find it, adding only that I hope it may 
comfort my Conservative friends as much as it has pleased 






me 



Having satisfied hunger, I looked about for a place where I 
might make up for the disturbed sleep of the previous night, 
and accepted an invitation from the Band to take up quarters 
with them in a church, about half a mile from. camp. It 
was a new building, having plenty of refuse lumber in the 
basement, which we used up for purposes of drying and com- 
fort in two very good stoves that were set up in the house. 
The pulpit was assigned to me as my most appropriate part of 
the house, and, spreading my blanket on the floor, I took a 
refreshing nap. In the course of the day we got some bacon, 
and on that and the following day the boys gathered dewber- 
ries and cherries in great abundance. We spent two nights 



I' UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 139 

in the church, during which it is reported that there was 
some very hard sleeping in the pulpit, and I am sure that 
there was more than the usual amount in the pews. 

Dr. Gale was very sick during our stay at this place, and 
several, who subsequently died, began to come down with 
typhus fever. 

On Sunday, the 2Gth, Adjutant Gale returned from Wash- 
ington, and reported for duty with the regiment. He informed 
us that our four companies were at the river with the teams, 
and that our baggage had laid wholly under water for twelve 
hours. At noon the teams came up, and we were at once 
ordered to march. We made about six miles, and halted at 
6 P. M., about two miles south of Washington C. H. The 
teams came up at eight o'clock, but as it had commenced 
raining again, we let our trunks lay till morning. The sun 
rose clear the next day, and we had a general overhauling of 
damaged property.^ Portfolios and papers generally were des- 
troyed, and clothes and blankets in a wet and muddy condi- 
tion. Dress uniforms lost all form of comeliness, and vfcre 
" ring-streaked and speckled." I fared better than some 
others — Dr. Gale, for instance, who had a box of chewing- 
tobacco in his trunk, which stained and discolored everything ; 
and whereas my things were only spoiled, his were totally 
ruined, save in so far as they were rendered impervious to the 
^attacks of moths ! 

During the morning, (July 21st,) Major James came up 
Vith his command. The Band met them just outside our 
camp, and escorted them in, where they met with a warm and 
earnest welcome. At evening parade, Colonel Goodrich made 
a very appropriate and feeling speech, and we all rejoiced in 
our reunion. 

Having recently written to Colonel James for some items of 
information, I here insert his letter, containing a graphic 



description of the freshet : 



140 unnecessary marches. 

Headquarters 106th Eeg't N. Y. Vols., 

North Mountain, Ya., April 5tli, 1863. 
Rev. Richard Eddy : — 

Sir: I enlisted in the service of the United States on the 
4th day of July, 1861. I was mustered in as Adjutant of 
the 50th Regiment, N. Y. Vols., on the 19th day of August, 
1861. I served during the winter of 1861-2, as Assistant 
Adjutant-General of the Volunteer Engineer Brigade, then 
commanded by Colonel Alexander, U. S. A. On my arrival 
on the Peninsula, I was appointed Aid-de-Camp to Brigadier- 
General Woodbury, commanding Volunteer Engineer Brigade, 
and served in that capacity at the siege of Yorktown, and 
during the campaign of the Peninsula as far as the Chicka- 
hominy. On the 15th day of May, 1862, I received a com- 
mission of Major of 60th Regiment N. Y. Vols., bearing 
date May 1st, 1862, my 21st birthday. A coincidence of 
Majority both civil and military. I reported for duty to 
Colonel Goodrich, commanding 60th Regiment N. Y. Vols., 
at Relay House, Md., May-24th, 1862. 

The following morning, six companies of the regiment with 
the Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, and all the Staff except the 
Assistant Surgeon, were ordered away to Harper's Ferry. I 
immediately took command of the remaining four companies, 
" B,'^ " C," " G" and '' I." " C " and ^'I'^ were stationed at 
the Relay House. "B"was near Baltimore, and "G'' at 
Annapolis Junction. In this manner w^ remained, pursuing 
such instructions as our scattered condition would permit, 
until the 25th of June, when, by order of General Wool or 
Dix, I forget which, for I have not the order, we were sent to 
Harper's Ferry to report to Colonel D. S. Miles, 2d Infantry, 
U. S. A., commanding at that place. Here we remained, 
pleasantly encamped, on Camp Hill, just within the fortifica- 
tion, pursuing our drills and daily improving in condition and 
discipline, until the middle of July. 

I think it was on the 17th, we were ordered to join the 



UNNECESSARY MARCHES. 141 

remainder of tlie regiment in Virginia. We went by way of 
AVashington, Alexandria and Warrenton, by rail. The letter 
I wrote to obtain the order directing this movement, I have 
'no record of. On arriving at Warrenton, we were informed 
that the remainder of the regiment was then but five miles 
distant, and, in the midst of a drenching rain, at 4 P. M. we 
set out to overtake them. On arriving at the spot where the 
camp had been, we learned that they had gone on, early that 
morning, to Little Washington. We pushed ahead; and, at 
9 o'clock in the evening, reached Waterloo, on the Rappa- 
hannock. The freshet in the river had swept away the bridges. 
Along the shore was halted a train of upwards of two hundred 
wagons, among them loaded supply trains of Sigel's and 
Banks' Corps. We made our bivouac that night in an orchard, 
on a hill overlooking the river, between Carter's Run and the 
Rappahannock, or North Fork, as it was called. General 
Banks and Staff were near us, and below us the immense 
wagon train. The rain that night was fearful, and it poured 
in torrents all the next day and night. 

In the morning, the Rappahannock had risen to a height 
never known before.* Carter's Run, a little stream that the 
men waded in the evening, was a rushing torrent covering 
acres of land ; and in the midst of all this fury of waters was 
the train of wagons, some already submerged, some where the 
mules and horses were just able to keep their heads above 
water, and struggling to break the harness that held them, 
while others had been swept away, with the sleeping teamsters 
in them, down the swift river. I immediately set my men to 
work to save what could be saved from the destroying flood. 
They worked with a hearty good will ; and, as General Banks 
afterwards said to me, the safety of the army trains and the 
prevention of an army famine, from the loss of the imperilled 



^ By actual measurement, made by Commissary-Sergeant 
Robertson, the river rose eighteen feet above its banks. 



142 UNNECESSARY MARCHES, 

stores, were due to the exertions of my men. When the flood 
subsided, we repaired the roads ; a pontoon bridge was thrown 
across the river, and we moved on. About the 23d of July, 
we joined the regiment. The rest of that sad campaign you 

are familiar with. 

EDWARD C. JAMES. 

Typhus fever now began to develop, very rapidly among 
our men. On the 22d we had sixty-four under medical treat- 
ment, and near night of the same day Alexander Bromaghim, 
of Co. '' D," suddenly died. 

On the return of Hospital Steward Cornish, he reported 
that the following had died of the same disease at Waterloo, 
on the 20th, Benjamin E. Brooks, of Co. " H," and Charles 
Force, of Co. " K." We also received intelligence that Lewis 
E. Comstock, of Co. " D," died of the same disease, at War- 
renton, on the 19th. 

On the 24th, Col. Goodrich reported to Gen. Greene that 
we had but five captains and two lieutenants fit for duty, and 
that sickness being very much on the. gain among the men, 
we were not in a condition for active service. 

That night and the following morning, we were paid up to 
July 1st, by Major H. B. Reese, and the officers and men were 
very anxious to send their money by me to the Express office. 
I was unwilling, however, to leave while my services were so 
constantly needed with the sick. No immediate efibrt was 
therefore made to obtain a leave of absence. 



SAD DAYS. 143 



VIII. 

S A D D A 1 S. 

On the 25th of July we moved camp about a mile, for the 
purpose of having our brigade together. The hospital, how- 
ever, remained where it was, and rapidly gained in occupants. 
The weather operated very unfavorably on us all. When the 
, sun was out it was most intensely hot, and frequent showers 
\ kept the ground constantly steaming. 

My contraband, William Moss, Jr., was almost the only 
person in camp whose cheerfulness was not disturbed by the 
surrounding circumstances. The hotter the weather, the hap- 
pier was he ; the more he had to do, the louder he sung ; his 
I favorite music being the chanting of the following conglomo- 
I rate sentence, " I heard a voice from Heben, saying unto me, 
j We'll all go over Jordan wid de great Jubilee V Sometimes 
his cooking utensils would tip over on the fire, when he would 
pause in his singing long enough to exclaim, " De Debbil take 
de ole tea kettle I" and then go on with his chanting. 

On the 26th, the surgeon's record showed one humlred and 
forty cases of typhus fever. Three died that day. Job Bray- 
ton, of Co. " E," Valentine Merrihue, of Co. " D," and 1st 
Lieut. Loring E. White, of Co. " H." The last hours of 
Lieutenant White were peculiarly interesting, and I here 
venture to describe them, following a memoranda, which I made 
before his burial. 

I had been at the hospital all day, and was about leaving 
at three o'clock, when passing the tent, in which the Lieuten- 
ant lay, I noticed that he was evidently in a very critical con- 
dition. Hurrying to camp, I reported his condition to Capt. 
Ransom, and advised him to go over immediately. 



144 SAD DAYS. 

At six o'clock intelligence was brought me that lie was dying. 
On reaching the tent I found him very low and faint, but he 
soon revived. Capt. Ransom said to him, " Lieutenant, the 
doctor says you are very sick, and probably will not live." 

"Does he ?" — then, after a momentary pause, he added — • 
/' Well, it is all the same.- God's will be done ! I am not 
afraid to die. It is all right I" 

" I knew you would feel so," said Capt, Ransom. 

" Yes ! yes, I am safe, safe ! I shall go to God ! I shall 
see Jesus, blessed Jesus ! But oh ! my poor father ! how he 
will feel ! But then he will be comforted ; he has faith in 
God I" 

^' Have you any word you want to send to your folks at 
home r 

" Yes, tell them all to be good, -to love God, and to live for 
Him; to love Jesus. Pray for me. Captain, pray for them.". 

" My prayer is for you, Lieutenant ; my secret prayer is con- 
tinually for you." 

" Yes, but pray for me now I" 

The captain asked me to pray, and the lieutenant desiring 
it, I offered prayer. His responses were frequent and fervent, 
especially when thanks were given for his sustaining faith, 
and supplications were made for the loved ones in his home. 

At the close of the prayer, I took his hand, and repeated 

PSALM XXIII. 

1. The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. 

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; He leadeth 
me beside the still waters. 

3. He restoreth my soul ; He leadeth me in the paths of right- 
eousness for His name's sake. 

4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of 
death, I will fear no evil : for Thou art with me ; Thy rod and 
Thy staff they comfort me. 

5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine 



SAD DATS. 145 

enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth 
over. 

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of 
my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

As his hearing had become somewhat dull, he did not at 
first understand what I was saying, and made some irrelevant 
answer; but, as I began again in a louder tone, he took up 
the words with me, and repeated them with great satisfaction. 
His joy seemed unbounded, and his countenance was covered 
with the sweetest smiles, as he came to the fourth verse, 
which he long dwelt on, and frequently returned to. 

I also repeated the following verses from the Grospel : 

JOHN XIV. 

1. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe 
also in me. 

2. In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were not so, 
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 

3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, 
and receive you to myself; that where I am, there ye may be 
also. 

4. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

25. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present 
with 3'ou. 

26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the 
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and 
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said 
unto you. 

27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as 
the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be trou-. 
bled, neither let it be afraid. 

*' Oh I" said the dying man, " such peace — sweet peace ! 
Peace ! — sweet peace ! Such peace as Jesus gives ! And I 
am going to Jesus ! I shall see Him ! Blessed Jesus ! I 



am going to Jesus ! 
shall soon see Him I' 



146 BAD DAYS. 

I suggested to the Captain to ask him what disposition he 
would have made of his body. 

" I want it sent home^sent to my father.'* ^ ' 

He objected to having it embalmed. At first on the 
ground that his parents were not proud ; but, on its being ex- 
plained to him that it was not for the gratification of pride, but 
simply for the preservation of the body, so that it might ap- 
pear natural, and not be offensive, he still objected, and said 
it was of no consequence. 

Shortly after he inquired how long it would be before he 
died. 

* Perhaps you may live half an hour,'' was the answer. 

^' Oh, I shall soon see Jesus ! I am going to my blessed 
"Jesus," said he, with a very joyful expression. "But my 
poor father ! How bad he will feel I But then God is with 
him — Grod is here. Oh, what peace, sweet peace, he gives 
me!" 

I then repeated the verse : 

Jesus can make a dying bed 

Feel soft as downy pillows are, 
While on His breast I lean my head, 

And breathe my life out sweetly there. 

^' Say it again," said he, " say it again !" 

I did so, and he joined me, and afterwards frequently re- 
peated the last line. 

" What word have you for the Company ?" asked Captain 
Kansom. 

" Tell them to be good ; tell them to be Christians — to love 
God, and to follow Jesus." 

To Lieutenant Fitch, who shortly after came in, he repeated 
the same, adding a fervent exhortation to him to live for a 
character, and not for mere fleeting things. To Sergeant 
Dickenson he also gave a faithful and affectionate exhorta- 
tion. 



SAD DAYS. 147 

About this time Dr. Gale came in, and examined him, and, 
at the Doctor^s suggestion, I told him that there was a chance 
— a possibility — of his surviving ; that this might be a crisis 
in the disease, and that the only advantage to be gained by it 
would depend on his being as quiet as possible. He said it 
was all the same to him whether he lived or died. 

^' I am resigned to the will of Grod. I will try and be 
quiet." 

Shortly after he fell asleep, and I returned to camp. A 
few hours after he passed away, quietly, and in peace. 

Second Lieutenant M. L. Fitch was subsequently promoted 
to First Lieutenant, with rank from July 25th ; and Orderly 
Sergeant Charles H. Dickenson, to Second Lieutenant, with 
rank from July 26th. 

Capt. Eansom obtained permission to take the corpse to 
Washington, but was not well enough to start. Indeed, so 
far was he under the power of the fever at that time, that he 
now retains only a confused and indistinct recollection of 
any of these circumstances. It was well that he did riot start, 
for the body decomposed so rapidly that he could not have 
reached Washington with it. We were therefore compelled 
to bury it in the ground Gen. Greene had ordered set apart 
for the Brigade.* 

Go to the grave in all thy glorious prime, 

In full activity of zeal and power ; 
A Christian cannot die before his time, 

The Lord's appointment is the servant's hour. 
Go to thy grave ; at noon from labor cease ; 

•Rest on thy sheaves, thy harvest task is done. 
Come from the heat of battle, and in peace. 

Soldier, go home ; with thee the fight is won. 

• 

* In Chap. XVI. I have endeavored so to describe this ground 
that, if it shall ever be necessary, the graves of those buried 
there mav be identified. 



149 «AD DAYS. 

Go to the grave, for there thy Saviour lay 

In death's embraces, ere he rose on high ; 
And all the ransomed, by that narrow way, 

Pass to eternal life beyond the sky. 
Go to the grave : — no, take thy seat above ; 

Be thy pure spirit present with the Lord, 
AVhere thou for faith and hope hast perfect love, 

And open vision for the. written word. 

On the 28th G-en. Banks reviewed all the troops in the 
Corps. It was a very fine sight, though many of the regi- 
ments, especially in our brigade, were small, on account of 
sickness. "VYe had two companies away, one .on picket, and 
one, Co. ^'F/' at the village, on Provost Guard duty. In the 
eight companies present we numbered but 212 men for duty, 
the rest being sick, or in attendance on the sick. That day 
Charles P. Chaffee, of Co. " I,^' died, in his tent at Camp, of 
congestion of brain. Albert Smithers, of Co. " F," died in 
the Free Church, Washington C. H., of typhus fever. 

On the 30th, the fever raged like the plague. We had 
over two hundred cases. The Medical Director gave it as his 
opinion that the regiment would go to destruction, unless im- 
mediately withdrawn from the field; and Gen. Augur made 
application to Gen. Pope to send us cither to some of the 
fortifications about Washington, or to Harper's Ferry. Our 
surgeons and steward were wearied by constant attendance 
on the sick, and nearly broken down from want of rest. The 
Division Surgeon sent some assistants, but sickness increased 
so rapidly that our medical staff had quite as much to do as 
before. 

That day Corporal Lorenzo C. Harrington, of Co. " K," 
died in the hospital, of typhus. He had walked about the 
grounds only a few hours before his death, 

Louis Beyette, of Co. " F," died of the same disease in the 
Free Church at Washington C. H. 

On going over in the evening to the burial of the last- 



SAD DAYS. 



149 



named, the body of Thomas S. Price, sutler of the 5th Con- 
necticut Volunteers, who had died of the same disease, was 
brought to the burial ground. I performed funeral services 
,for both. 

' On Thursday, the last day of July, we were visited by med- 
ical officers of Gen. Pope's staff, who agreed in the opinions 
expressed by others that we ought to be taken out of the 
field. 

On the first of August the Corps was paraded to listen to 
the Order and Address with reference to the death of Ex- 
President Van Buren. After the parade the troops were 
drilled by Gen. Banks. The Sixtieth numbered only about 
one hundred, and "of these several were so debilitated that 
they fell out of the ranks before the drill was completed. 
Some were so weak that they could not carry their rifles, and 
had to be assisted back to camp. 

Gen. Pope arrived on the 2d, and established his head- 
quarters about half-a-mile to our left. At the suggestion of 
Gen. Greene I visited him on the evening of his arrival, and 
in an interview with respect to the condition of our regiment, 
asked the privilege of going to Washington to express the 
men's money to their families, procure delicacies for the sick, 
and necessary articles for the officers, to replace such as had 
been destroyed by the freshet. lie promised to grant the re- 
quest when the necessary papers should reach him. 

That day, John Harmer and George Annis, both of Co. 
"D;' died at the hospital.* 

The next day Elon G. McKee, of Co. " A," died at the 
same place. 

On the 4th, 1st. Lieut. Guy Plogan, of Co. " I,'' died at 
the same place, and 1st Lieut. Benjamin R. Clark, died in 
the Free Church, at Washington C. H. At sunset the two 
-t — 

* These were buried on the 3d, at which time I also attended 
the burial of Hamilton Marshall, of Co. ''F," 1st D. C. Vols. 
13* 



150 Sad days. 

were buried aide by side in one grave. McKee was also 
buried at the same time. 

Gen. Greene and several of his staff, many officers and men 
from other regiments in the brigade, and as many of our own 
command as were able, were present. After reading selections 
from tho Old and New Testaments, I said in substance as 
follows : 

When we gather around the grave, especially under cir- 
cumstances like the present, our thoughts seem, of necessity, 
to run in two directions : to dwell on the sadness that attaches 
to the fact of our mortality, and to reach forward with intense 
lono-ino; towards another life. 

It is sad, indeed, to think that the skilful hand and the 
quick and unerring eye goes to decay; that the faithful and 
loyal heart is forever stilled ; and that the sympathizing and 
loving friend can perform no more offices of affection for the 
sick and suffering.* It is sad to think of the anguish that 
will visit the homes where these men are loved, and of the 
loneliness appointed for those who will wait in vain for their 
coming. 

But if this class of thought brings sorrow, there is another 
thought occupying our hearts that will, it is hoped, give us 
abundant comfort. The longing for immortality sends us in 
search of the assurance of it, and not more fully do the scrip- 
tures of the Old Testament dwell on the sorrow and anguish 
which visits the heart when " man goes to his long home,'* 
than do those of the New, by " bringing life and immortality 
to light," console us with ^' hope for the resurrection of the 
dead." Happy are we if we receive and believe its blessed 

* Clark, as before said, was a riflemaker by trade, and, as a 
marksman, had no superior, and but few equals. Hogan was 
remarkably conscientious and faithful as an officer, and McKee 
had contracted the disease of which he died by voluntarily 
nursing the sick. 



SAD DAYS. 151 

assurances, for it can so occupy and rejoice our hearts as to 
suffice for every woe, and help us to minister consolation and 
peace to those whose grief runs deeper than ours in view of 
the sad office we come here to perform. Though death casta 
its shadow in far-oflf homes, yet the beams of the Sun of 
Kighteousness can penetrate the deepest obscurity, and '^ com- 
fort all who mourn." 

As the sickness that 'is in our midst, and the daily demand 
to bury the dead, makes constant call on us to consider our 
mortality, so let us seek to find in the Word of God the hope- 
ful assurance of " the life to come /' and offer fervent prayer to 
Almighty God thatlFIe will be pleased to lift up the light of 
His countenance on all the broken-hearted, and give them peace. 

Second Lieutenant N. M. Dickinson was commissioned 
First Lieutenant, to fill the vacancy caused by Clark's death, 
with rank from August 4th ; and Sergeant Lester S. Willson 
was commissioned Second Lieutenant, with rank from the 
same date. 

Commissary-Sergeant D. M. Robertson was commissioned 
First Lieutenant to fill vacancy left by Hogan's death, with 
rank from the same date. 

These did not receive notice of their promotion till some 
time after this, but as I do not have it in my power to give 
the date of their being informed of the fact, I insert the fact 
itself, at its proper date. 

Captain David Day 2d, of Company '^ B," having tendered 
hfs resignation, it was accepted on the 5th, and First Lieuten- 
ant John Snyder was commissioned Captain ; Second Lieutenant 
James Hurst, First Lieutenant; and Sergeant Charles H. 
Houghton, Second Lieutenant— all with rank from August 4th. 

On the afternoon of the 4th, the Medical Directors decided 
that we must go out of the field at once, and we received 
orders to leave for Fauquier White Sulphur Springs, at War- 
renton, distant eighteen miles from our camp, at 7 o'clock the 
next morning. At this time we had 311 sick with the fever. 



152 SAD DAYS. 

During the evening of the 4th, James Handley, of Com- 
pany " E/' and Edward Finley, of Company ^' A/^ both died 
at the hospital. 

The next morning our well men started for the Springs. I 
received five days leave of absence from General Pope, but 
declined using it till the sick were removed, and remained at 
the hospital with them. At noon, Frederick Miller, of Com- 
pany " H," died. 

The three last named were buried on the morning of the 
6th, and at noon that day I attended the funerals of Denard 
Sterling, Company " G," andElisha Parker, Company "D," 
Purnell Legion, Maryland Vols., and fater in the day, the 
funeral of George Campbell, Company " G," 1st District of 
Columbia Vols. It was the hottest day I ever sa'^. The air 
seemed motionless, and our poor fever-burning men were gasp- 
ing for breath. Ambulances were provided for us, and we 
started 100 men for the Springs. The Corps marched that 
day for Culpepper, and at night we were left alone with the 
sick. 

The next day, as none then with us were considered in im- 
minent danger, and as it would take several days to get them 
removed to the Springs, and comfortably fixed there. Dr. 
Gale suggested that it would be as good an opportunity as any 
that might be likely to offer, for me to avail myself of my 
leave of absence. I accordingly left late that afternoon for 
the Springs, and arrived there at 10 P. M., leaving the next 
morning at 7 for Warrenton Village, where, at 10, I took cars 
for Alexandria. There was no room for me inside, as all the 
cars were filled with sick men going to Alexandria and Wash- 
ington. I therefore took my seat on the roof of a freight car, 
and we started off. I had with me $9,870, belonging to our 
own officers and men, and about $3,000, belonging to the 
officers and men of the 78th Regiment N. Y. S. Vols. 

As the train was an extra and irregular one, we had'to give 
way to all others, and consequently did not reach Alexandria 



SAt) DAYS. ' 163 

till 4 p. M. The sun beat upon us all the wa}', and the pain 
in mj^ head was almost intolerable. I went on to Washington 
that night, where I found Quartermaster Merritt and Ira B. 
Whitford, then on their way to join the regiment. The former 
had been absent since' the first of June, at which time he was 
detailed, as before mentioned, to assist Captain Saint, at Har- 
per's Ferry, and the latter had been sick at the Relay. I oc- 
cupied a room with them during the night, but got no sleep, 
owing to heat and pain in my head. 

On reaching Baltimore the next day, I was compelled to 
take to the bed and summon a phj^sician, who gave it as, his 
opimon that I had but just escaped sun-stroke. I remained 
at home, under medical treatment, till 4. A. M. of the 13th, 
when* I again started for the regiment, and reached it at 7 P. 
M., the same day; having been fortunate enough to get a ride 
on a locomotive from the Junction to Warrenton, and from 
thence by an ox-team to the Springs. 



X64 THE SULPHUR SPRINOa. 



IX. 

THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

A PLACE SO much resorted to as the Fauquier White Sulphur 
Spriugs had been for at least thirty years previous to the 
rebellion, probably has an interesting history, if one could 
only get at it ; but it is exceedingly difficult and often im- 
possible to find any published account of towns, villages, or 
watering-places in the South. In Virginia, at least, even 
those who live nearest to localities which, by their condition 
and surroundings show that they have been known arid visited 
for years, are unable to answer the simplest questions which 
may be put in regard to the age, value or improvement 
of the place. It would seem as if the hope expressed by 
Berkeley, Governor of that State in 1670, had been cherished 
as a noble ambition, and had not yet ceased to override the 
limits in which he was satisfied to place it : "I thank G od 
there are no free schools nor printing, and I hope we shall not 
have these hundred years." 

Although during some seasons, as the hotel register showed, 
three thousand people visited these Springs, no chemical 
analysis has yet been made of the water ; and the only account 
I have seen of its medicinal qualities is given in a pamphlet 
by a Eev. Mr. Stringfellbw, who seems to have been an ardent 
admirer of the place, and who, from the frequent recurrence 
of his name on the regi^er, and the absence of it in the ac- 
count books of the corresponding period, was, I suspect, either 
a partner or a ^' deadhead" in the establishment. His little 
work opens with an exceedingly highfalutin description of 



THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 165 

original sin, chiefly as it is manifest in physical maladies ] and 
. from this he passes to a detailed description of the cures per- 
formed by the Springs on some thirty or more patients, who, 
it would seem from his account, were afflicted with all " the 
ills that flesh is heir to." Diseases the most opposite in their 
character, are mentioned side by side, as having yielded at 
once to the marvellous powers of the water; and the logical 
conclusion seems to be that sulphur, thus held in solution, can 
wash away all the physical maladies entailed by Adam. Not an 
unimportant discovery, if true, and certainly a more charitable 
use of the mineral for sinners than has generally been received 
as orthodox ! 

Of the history of the place, I have gathered a few scraps of 
information, which I insert here, believing that they will 
prove interesting to the members of the regiment who may 
read them. 

It appears that the medicinal cjualities of the water were 
known and, to a considerable extent, appreciated in the neigh- 
borhood, long before it was generally resorted to; but the 
owner of the farm thinking that the constant and persevering 
visits of his neighbors interfered with his agricultural opera- 
tions, filled the spring up with stones and rubbish, making an 
effectual blockade. 

John Hancock Lee, who thought that money might be 
made in the operation, bought the farm, and sometime about 
1830 opened the spring to the public. Visitors soon became 
so numerous that it was found necessary to enlarge the accom- 
modations. Extensive improvements were planned, and Thos. 
Greene, Esq., a man of wealth, united with Mr. Lee in the 
enterprise. They continued to build until they had erected 
accommodations for eight hundred guests. These buildings 
were all standing when we took possession of the place. 

The main building, called by the proprietors the Pavilion, 
was 188 feet long and four stories high, having a. portico on its 
eastern and western sides. Opposite this, to the east, was an- 



156 THE SULPHUR SPRINOS 

other Pavilion, 100 feet long and four stories high, which, it 
was intended, should be connected with the main Pavilion 
by means of an arch, but when the timbers were nearly ready- 
to put up, the workshop was destroyed by fire, and this part 
of the design remained unexecuted. 

Besides these two Pavilions there were two large brick 
buildings, three stories high and 56 feet long; two others of 
the same length, two stories high, and twelve one-story brick 
cottages, each 56 feet long. 

These improvements, and 1184 acres of land lying north 
of the Rappahannock river, together with 1750 acres on the 
south bank, were conveyed, in 1837, by Thomas Greene and 
Hancock Lee, to a company, in 2500 shares, at $68 per share, 
making, for the whole, $170,000. 

Mr. Hudgings, who had heavily endorsed for this company 
or its agents, was in possession of the place in 1862,. and re- 
sided there up to the time of its destruction. 

During the yellow-fever season of 1855, the Virginia Legis- 
lature held its sessions at the Springs ; and the accommoda- 
tions not being sufficient for all thus attracted to the place, 
tents were erected on the lawn. 

After the first battle at Bull Run, the rebel authorities took 
possession of the place for hospital purposes. The mortality 
among their wounded was fearful. 

We used the two pavilions for hospitals, and the three-story 
buildings for quartermaster's stores and lodgings ; the band 
occupied one of the two-story buildings, the officers the other 
and the cottages. The officers messed together in the small 
dining room of the main building, the servants using the 
kitchen with its ovens and utensils. Occasionally the servants 
got up a small war among themselves. Mediator RosS and 
William Moss, Jr. were the principal antagonists, and though 
they did not injure each other's heads to any great extent, 
they managed to break up a eofiee pot or twO; and some other 
tin ware. 



THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 157 

Colonel Moses Green, who commanded the 2d Elite Corps 
of Virginia Militia, during the last war with Great Britain, 
had made his home at the Springs for several years previous 
to his death. The records of his command, containing also 
the muster-rolls of the sev(^al companies, among them one 
commanded for a while by the late John Tyler, I brought 
away with me when-We left the place, and have it now in my 
possession, as also the orderly sergeant's book, of Co. "N," 
Adam's troop 1st Regt. Virginia rebel Cavalry, which had 
evidently been left there by mistake. 

A Post Oflfice had been established at the Springs several 
years. I found the desks and other property very convenient 
while we remained, and when it was proposed to destroy what 
we could not take away of our own, on leaving, I put the 
P. 0. letter scales in my trunk ; and should a loyal office ever 
be established in the neighborhood again, I propose visiting 
the place, and will restore the property to its legitimate use. 

Lieut.-Col. Brundage, who had been home under medical 
treatment since July 1st., had returned to the regiment, while 
I was away, and although still weak, was very much improved 
in health. We had supposed him very near his end, when he 
left us, and his return was therefore a great surprise. 
^ ^During my absence, the following had died of the fever : 

On the 7th, in the Free Church, at Washington C. H., 
John F. Page, of Co. " F.^' At the hospital, near Washing- 
, ton C. H., Drum-Major Wilder P. Ellis. The former was 
buried in the village burial ground, and the latter in the bri- 
gade ground. 

The following died at the Springs : 

On the 9th, George W. Dag.i^ett, of Co. " I." 

iOth, John Cardinell, Co. "D," Levi J. Barton, Co. "E," 
and George R. Ries, of the Band. , 

13th, George Sewell, Co. ^^ F." Funeral services for these 
five were pcTforMicd by Capt. J. H. Jones. 

On the 15th, Quartermaster Sergeant Bordwcll went to 
11 



158 THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Culpepper, from whicli place we drew all our stores, for sup- 
plies. While riding tlirougli the place, his collar bone was 
badly broken by the stumbling and falling of his horse. Ifc 
laid him up for several months. That day forty-eight new 
cases of fever were reported. Three hundred and fifty of- 
ficers and men were very sick in the buildings, and between 
fifty and sixty who had the disease in a lighter form, were 
sick in the tents. Major James had some alarming symptoms, 
and made application for leave of absence, but a favorable 
change occurring in a few days, he remained with us. Dr. 
Gale was compelled to take to his bed, and Dr. Chambers was 
hardly able to keep about. Robertson, whose labors had been 
arduous and incessant in the quartermaster's department, as 
well as in his own, was also prostrated. 

On the 16th, Principal Musician Sanford Blaisdell died. 

The next morning the following document was sent from 
our camp : 

Fauquier Sulphur Springs, Va. 

Aug. 17, 1862. 
Dr. Rauo«, 

Medical Director Maj.-Gen. Augur's Division. 
Dear Doctor : The sickness in our regiment is on the increase, 
both in number of cases and severity. 

It was ardently hoped that the rest and conveniences afforded 
at this place would have a beneficial effect upon the spirits of the 
men, and perhaps tend to a more speedy recovery. 

Thus far this anticipation has been disappointed, and our pa- 
tients are daily growing worse. In the past five days we have 
lost six cases, and three more will doubtless soon die. 

Humanity prompts me to ask and urge a removal farther north 
— as far north as our Government has military duty to do. My 
own health is very poor, having been confined to my room for 
the past four days. 

Very Respectfully, # 

JAMES S. GALE, 

Surgeon GOth Regt. N. Y. S. V. 



THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 159 

Had this letter been sent a few days sooner, it would in all 
probability have accomplished something for our relief; but 
it was not possible at that late hour to do what we desired. 
The letter was subsequently returned to Dr. Gale with the 
following endorsements : 

"Headquarters, 2d Division, 2d Army Corps Army of Va., 
18th Aug., 1862. Approved and respectfully forwarded. 

GEO. S. GREENE, 
Brig.-Gen., Commanding 2d Division. 

Headquarters, Augur's Division, 

Culpepper, Aug. 19, 1862. 
I heartily commend the within suggestions, and I hope they 
will be carried out immediately. JOHN H. RAUCH, 

Medical Director. 

Headquarters, Banks' Army Corps, 

Damascus, Md., Sept. 11, 1862. 
Respectfully returned, the General commanding, assuming 
that the necessity for a change in locality has ceased. 
By command of 

Brig.-General, A. S. AVILLIAMS. 

S. E. PiTTMAN, 

Lieut, and A. A. A. G. 

We got a rumor, on the afternoon of the 17th, that the 
guerillas had taken Washington C. H., and that they were 
organizing a band to attack us. The nurses and all the well 
were provided with arms and ammunition, and we sent out a 
strong picket, determined to be prepared to give them a warm 
reception. 

On the 18th Ephraim L. Wright, of Co. "G,'' died with 
the fever. This was the first death that had occurred in that 
company. Some sixty or more new cases of fever were re- 
ported that day. 

The next morning at 3 o'clock Gen. Banks and staff arrived 
at the Springs. -The fight at Cedar Mountain, near Culpepper 
had showed that the rebels were too strong to be driven, 



160 THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

and it was deemed prudent to fall back, and prevent, if possible, 
their flanking us. During that day and the next the troops 
were constantly coming in from below, and by dark on the 20th, 
they were all encamped near us. From the roof of the build- 
ing we were using as the principal hospital, it appeared 
from the camp-fires in the evening, as though we were in the 
centre of a large city. A Massachusetts volunteer, whose 
name I have lost, as my memoranda of this and other matters, 
was destroyed by fire in our subsequent retreat, died on the road, 
and was buried by us in the evening. While the burial ser- 
vice was being performed a battery of SigeFs artillery took 
position in the midst of our graves. I had no opportunity to 
visit the spot afterwards, but as some sharp fighting was had 
there a few days after, and the- hill subsequently occupied by 
the rebels, I have no doubt that it would now be very difficult 
to identify the graves ; but in a subsequent chapter I will give, 
as near as I can describe it, the locality of the spot, and the 
relative position of the graves. 

We were informed sometime during the night that it was 
necessary that we should leave the place, arid that ambu- 
lances and wagons would be provided in the morning for 
the removal of the sick. From 7 o'clock till noon, all who 
were able to work had as much as they could do in getting 
the sick ready to move. At 2 o'clock, 525 sick men were 
loaded in the wagons, and started for Bealton Station, distant 
eight and a half miles, but owing to carelessness on the part 
of some one who was to have given the proper direction of 
the route, they travelled twenty-eight miles before arriving at 
their destination, which they did not reach till 9 o'clock the 
next morning. 

Meanwhile, the well who remained at the Springs were 
busy in filling the few wagons that were left with our camp 
and garrison equipage. Such as we could not make, room for, 
was piled up and burned. We were sorry to give them to the 



THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 161 

flames, but preferred it to letting them fall into the hands of 
the rebels. 

At 5 o'clock we started to rejoin our sick, as we supposed, 
but on reaching Bealton, were ordered to report to General 
Pope, then near Rappahannock Station. The night was in- 
tensely dark, but we pushed on two or more miles till we came 
to Edward's Kiver, where the halt made by the rear of the 
column in waiting for the advance to ford the stream, was 
construed by us into an order for a permanent halt, and 
after waiting a few moments, and getting no command to ad- 
vance, we concluded the halt was general, built fires and laid 
down to sleep. Morning disclosed the fact to Major James 
that the few with us, not more than fifty in all, were the only 
troops in sight. We pushed on at once to find our companions, 
and rejoined them some four miles further on, just as they 
had been ordered to take position in the field. 

We understood, when we left the Springs, that we were to 
go with and take care of our sick. Nearly all of us were 
more or less debilitated, and needed quiet and nursing; we 
were therefore somewhat surprised when, instead of the. rest 
we had expected, we found ourselves drawn up in line of bat- 
tle, near the centre of our forces, the cannon firing rapidly on 
our right and also on our left. We did not remain here long, 
for General Greene soon passed by with his Brigade, and we 
were ordered to '* fall in," which we did, and marched ofi" to 
a piece of woods on our right. 

General Banks' Corps was General SigeFs Reserve, and we 
accomplished, for several days after, a great amount of march- 
ing and counter-marching, in order to be in readiness to throw 
ourselves on any point where we might be most needed. 
General Sigel kept up a constant firing, and we were almost 
in perpetual motion. 

We rejoined the Brigade on Friday, the 22d. In the even- 
ing of that day. Dr. Chambers and myself rode over to Beal- 
ton, to see. how the sick were doing. About fifty had been 
14* 



162 THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

sent to Alexandria that day, and Dr. Gale had gone with 
them. Dr. Charles H. Burbeck, our Second Assistant Sur- 
geon, who had been commissioned August 11th, was present 
with the remainder. 

We remained at Bealton till noon the next day. About 
two hours before noon it was reported, and , very generally be- 
lieved, that the rebels had outflanked us on the right. Im- 
mediately every sick man that was able to -walk was started 
on foot for Manassas ', the cars were loaded with such as were 
not able to go on foot, and the nurses sent back to the regi- 
ment. Quartermaster Merrit came up about this time, and by 
great industry, we managed to load everything that belonged 
to the Hospital Department into the wagons. He went on 
with the baggage train, and Dr. Chambers and myself started 
to find our regiment. 



THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 163 



THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 

From noon till dark tlie Doctor and myself searched in vain 
for the regiment. We seemed to find every brigade in the 
army except oiir own. At 9 o'clock we gave up for the night, 
and, turning into a piece of woods where some troops were, we 
hitched our horses, and laid down to sleep. Shortly after 
midnight we were awakened, and told to put off, as the rear- 
guard had just commenced passing. Going on about four 
miles we halted in a cornfield, where, after cutting cornstalks 
for our horses, we laid down again and slept. 

At sunrise the next morning (Sunday, 24th), we renewed 
our sqjjrch. Dr. Chambers gave it up at noon, and preferred 
to find out something definite before going further. I pushed 
on, and at 4 o'clock came upon the regiment, about three miles 
from Sulphur Springs. Soon after joining them, we marched 
in tlie direction of the Springs. In passiijg out of a piece of 
woods, to cross an open field, the rebels fired on us from a 
masked battery, and badly wounded James E. White, of Com- 
pany H. Lester Willson, then acting Sergeant-Major, rode 
in company with me at the rear. We were just turning the 
corner when White fell, but were ordered by a staff officer, 
who stood near, and whose excitement was very great, to dri^e 
round at a shorter turn, and ascend the hill among the pines . 
lie led the way in haste, and we followed, though by so doing 
we afforded a better mark for the rebels than if we had kept 
on lower down Before they could tniin their guns on us, 



164 THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 

however, Sigel had found them out, and, with a battery of 
Wiard's steel rifled guns — pronounced by General Sigel the 
best cannon in use — had destroyed their ambush, and driven 
them away. 

We made our way back to the rear as soon as we could get 
out of the pines, and met a small party bringing White to the 
rear* Willson pushed forward. to rejoin the regiment, and I 
remained behind till the wound was temporarily dressed, and 
the suffering man was removed to a place where he could be 
better attended to. It was the first wound I had ever seen in 
battle, and, at the time, was the most horrible thing I had 
ever witnessed ; though since then I have looked upon those 
that were far worse. He was struck with a six-pound solid 
shot in the largest part of the thigh, and with such force that, 
although the bone was not injured, the flesh was so peeled 
from it that from the knee-joint nearly to the hip the bone 
was all exposed to view. 

With others wounded that day at other points along the 
line. White was taken to Washington, and, on the 28th, died 
at Armory Square Hospital. 

On rejoining the regiment it was ascertained that we were 
out of rations, and that none could be obtained short of War- 
renton. Adjutant Gale was ordered to take teams and go, 
and, for the sake of company and adventure, I accompanied 
him, anticipating and promising ourselves a good supper and 
a comfortable bed when we should get there. At about 11 
in the evening we reached the place, but there was no room 
for us at the inns, nor could we obtain anything for ourselves 
to eat nor food or shelter for our horses. Hitching the latter 
to a tree in the street, we laid down on some benches on the 
piazza of the hotel, and went to sleep. 

In the morning we applied for breakfast. There was 
nothing to eat in the house, and it was uncertain when there 
would be. The rebels, who were there a few days before, had 
emptied the store-room, and General Pope and staflf, then 



THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 165 

tliere, must have the first that was obtained. Hunting up 
our teams, we got a chance to eat with the- teamsters, and also 
found feed for our horses. Dr. Chambers had got round to 
this pkce, hunting for the regiment. "VVe put him in the 
way to get something to eat, and, after getting our teams 
loaded and started, re-fortified ourselves with another break- 
fast, and started for Waterloo, near which place we overtook 
the regiment about noon. 

Cornish,. who was hunting up the hospital stores, ventured 
a little too near the river, and was reminded by the close pas- 
sage of a rifle ball that the rebels were not far ofl*. They did 
not venture, however, to cross the stream, but withdrew in a 
short time, and af 5 o'clock we also took the back track to- 
ward Bealton Station. We halted for the night about three 
miles north of the Springs. During the day the rebels 
having put their sharpshooters into the buildings we had oc- 
cupied, for the purpose of picking off our artillerymen, Gene- 
ral Sigel set the houses on fire with his bombs, and the place 
was entirely destroyed. 

The next morning we were on the march at sunrise, but 
had not gone more than half a mile when the artillery to our 
left, having discovered the rebels, opened on them, and we 
were immediately masked in a piece of woods, ready for use 
where we might at any moment be wanted. We remained 
, there all day. At dark we were ordered to fall in, and pre- 
pare to march'j but no further orders coming, we remained 
half awake and half asleep till morning. William Moss, Jr., 
entertained us in a very comical way for awhile, and Major 
James, as I think he has not forgotten, collected some phos- 
phorated wood, and extemporized some luminous shoulder- 
straps. 

On Wednesday we started for Warrenton Junction, and, at 

dark, halted about a mile south of that place. Soon after 

\J midnight word came that the rebels were in our rear, driving 

in our pickets. We were sent out to skirmish, but found no 



166 THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 

enemy, and, after waiting till dayliglit, returned to camp, 
where, taking a hasty breakfast, we started for the Junction. 
Arriving there, everything had been taken away, and it be- 
came evident to all that we were retreating. 

From the Junction we pushed on to Catlett's Station, where 
an immense train of wagons were receiving every kind of 
Government property. Halting here till all the troops passed, 
our brigade took position behind the train, and became the 
rear-guard of that entire portion of the army. It was past 
noon before we again got under way, and late in the evening 
when we halted for the night, near Bristow Station. The 
railroad bridge over Kettle Run, just north of this Station, 
had been destroyed by the rebels the day before ; hence our 
long train, containing sick and woundefl men, was at a stand- 
still at this place. 

I got information, soon after we halted, that Mr. "Wright, the 
Leader of our Band, was in one of the cars, in a very critical 
condition. Dr. White, the physician in charge, gave it as his 
opinion that he could not survive through the night, and ad- 
vised that he be informed of his condition. On entering the 
car where he lay, I found him very weak and low, but hopeful 
of recovery. It was very trying to break to him the sad fact 
of his real condition, and the seeming certainty of his dis- 
solution. In as indirect manner as was possible with me, I 
brought him by degrees to see that, in all probability, his life 
was drawing rapidly to a close, and that it was necessary for 
him to say and do at once whatever he might wish. 

His look of disappointment, and the agonizing shudder 
which shook him, I shall never forget. Life was very dear to 
him, and recent events had made it peculiarly attractive. He 
had but recently been home on a sick leave, and, after recovery 
from his disease, had taken him a wife. Rejoining us just as 
.we were preparing to go to the Springs, the Band had there 
received ofl&cial notice that they were to be discharged from 
the service ; and, as he remarked, " it was hard to die just as 



THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 167 

life seemed so attractive." After conversation and prayer, he 
manifested mucli resignation, and I left him. 

Early in the morning, I saw him again. There appeared 
to be a change for the better, and the Doctor thought there 
was a chance for his life. While I remained with him, the 
regiment passed, 'and I was soon compelled to follow on, and 
overtook them just as they were fording the Run. We had 
hardly crossed before the order came to countermarch, and 
back we went to the vicinity of the train. Rebel cavalry 
having been seen near by, it was necessary that we should 
protect the sick and the stores. The sick were loaded in 
ambulances and wagons, and sent on towards Washington by 
the turnpike. 

Arriving in Alexandria, Mr. Wright was placed on board a 
steamer bound for New York ; but in a few hours was trans- 
ferred to the steamer Connecticut, bound for Portsmouth 
Grove, R. I. The next day he was put on board the steam- 
ship Daniel Webster, and started for New York. He died 
just before reaching New York, on the morning of Septem- 
ber 5th. 

We remained near the train till 8 o'clock the next morning, 
when everything that could be carried away was taken out, 
and such as there was no transportation for, was with the cars 
/and locomotives, given to the flames. We then started for 
Manassas, the distance being, in a direct line, three and a 
half miles ; but, as the rebels were said to be in force between 
us and there, we took a round-about course, and made a march 
of fifteen miles. 

Captains Smith and Elliott, and some others, walked down 
the track for the purpose of getting some things out of their 
trunks, which, they had been informed, had been taken out 
of the wagons. Smith got through safe, but Elliott was sur- 
prised by the rebels, taken prisoner, and sent down to Rich- 
mond. 

, On our reaching Manassas, we found that all our teams ex- 



1G8 THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 

cepting tlie one loaded with Headquarters' and Field and Staff 
property, had been unloaded, and were drawing ammunition 
to the battle-field, some three miles distant. Hospital stores, 
officers' trunks, sick men's guns and knapsacks, all lay in a 
pile together. Whitford and E,. A. Church remained with 
them, expecting the return of the teams, but before they got 
back, the rebels came in sight, and the command was given 
to set fire to them. For awhile there was a great deal of feel- 
ing among those who lost property, that the fire was kindled 
without proper authority ; but, something more than a month 
after, one of the commissary officers was sick at Maryland 
Heights, and in conversation with Dr. Gale, remarked that he 
had the original order in his possession, and gave the Doctor 
the following copy, certifying to its correctness : 

Seven o'clock, Sept. 1, 1862. 
Capt. Piper : Destroy all the public property by fire, and 
withdraw the troops at once. 

By order of General Pope. 

N. P. BANKS, 
M. G. C. 

This order was afterwards of invaluable service to us, as 
all the officers' papers and books being thus destroyed, we had 
no data for settlement with the Government, for medical sup- 
plies, men's clothing, etc., and this squared all the books and 
balanced the accounts. For personal losses there has been, 
as yet, no redress. That was simply our misfortune. I flat- 
tered myself on exemption from loss this time, but soon 
learned that I, too, was among the unlucky. Thinking it 
possible that our baggage train might be cut off, I had opened 
my trunk at Bealton, and taking out a change of clothing and 
some valuable papers, had put them in a valise belonging to 
Dr. Chambers, which he intended should be carried in the 
ambulance ; but not long after, it became necessary to lighten 



THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 169 

that vehicle, and the valise was put on board the hospital 
wagon. I saved my trunk, but lost the valuables ! 

We made a halt just beyond Manassas, on the Centreville 
road, about three-quarters of a mile north of Broad Run. As 
it grew towards dark, Colonel Goodrich went out with some 
of the General's Staff to select posts for picket duty through 
the night. I intended to go with the regiment on his re- 
turn, but, being very tired, laid down and fell asleep, and slept 
so soundly that I did not know when the men went away ; 
and, on waking, at about midnight, concluded I had better 
remain where I was, and did so, till they returned the next 
morning. 

At noon we marched again, and just at dark were pushing on 
in good order near Chantilly, between Centreville and Fairfax, 
when a sudcTen attack was made on Gen. Kearney's force, in ad- 
vance of us. We immediately formed for action, but a severe 
thunder storm coming on, the firing soon ceased. It was 
in this conflict that Gen. Kearney lost his life. After remain- 
ing in line in the road for two or more hours, we were marched 
down the road about half a mile, into the edge of a piece of 
woods, where, not allowed- any fires, we laid down to sleep in 
our dripping clothes. It was a severe night, but I heard no 
one complain. 

The following morning was clear and beautiful, and before 
the order came to push on, we had time to get dry and com- 
fortable. At noon we marched again, and made no halt of 
any moment till two o'clock on Thursday morning, when we 
stopped near Arlington Heights. It was a long^ cold, tedious 
tramp, attended with many vexations, and much suffering. 
The men were all shivering with the cold when we halted, 
but, too much exhausted to hunt up fuel, they threw them- 
selves on the ground, where sleep soon overcame hunger and 
cold. 

At eight o'clock, on the morning of the 3d, we took up our 
arms, andstarted on. It was said that our destination was Fort 
15 



170 THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 

Albany, at the end of Long Bridge, on tlae Virginia side of 
the Potomac. On the way Adjutant Gale received notice of 
his appointment as Assistant Adjutant-General to Gen. Slough, 
then Military Governor of Alexandria, and was ordered to 
report immediately. He at once left us, greatly to his advan- 
tage, but very much to our regret. He had been a faithful 
officer, and a most genial companion. 

Early in the afternoon, we made a halt about four miles 
south of the Long Bridge, and remained there till morning. 
Standing very close to Col. Goodrich, in confidential conversa- 
tion, some one carelessly discharged his rifle, and the ball 
passed between my face and the Colonel's, ruffling his beard, 
and removing a small piece of skin from one of my ears. The 
sensations were very uncomfortable, but gratitude was most 
sincerely expressed that the results were so slight. 

Lieut. M. F. Spencer, whose resignation had been accepted 
in June, was re-commissioned by the Governor, on the 15th 
of August, and had, shortly after, rejoined us, but Col. Good- 
rich refused to assign him to duty. At this halt, having been 
informed that the men were very much averse to his being put " 
over them, he resigned again. On the 10th the resignation was 
accepted ; and Orderly Sergeant Michael Nolan, a young 
man of marked military ability, was subsequently promoted 
to fill the vacancy, with rank from the date of Spencer's dis- 
charge. 

On marching again, two days' Tations were put in the haver- 
sacks, which at once dissipated the prospect of our stopping 
at the fort. Crossing the Potomac at the Aqueduct Bridge^ 
we passed through Georgetown to Tenallytown. Here we 
halted on Thursday evening, Sept. 4th. Here, later in the 
evening, our headquarters' wagon came up, and for the first 
time since Aug. 21st we were able to get a change of cloth- 
ing. Here, too, after being deprived of it for three weeks, 
we got a mail, and were able also to send letters home. Maj. 
James, who had obtained permission to go to Washington in 



THE RETREAT THROUGH VIRGINIA. 171 

the morning, came back in the evening for his baggage, hav- 
ing found waiting him at the Capitol, a commission as Lieut.- 
Col. of the 106th N. Y. S. Vols. No one was more popular 
with the men than he. The attachment sprung from a feel- 
ing deeper than mere respect, and a general regret was felt 
and expressed at his departure. Jealousy, which had at times 
displayed itself against him in pettishness and incivility, en- 
deared him to the entire command, and led to open and un- 
stinted praise of his ability and worth. His subsequent pro- 
motion to the colonelcy of the lOGtli, was a source of joy to us. 

Capt, Abel Godard subsequently became Major; 1st. Lieut. 
A. B. Shipman was promoted to the Captaincy ; 2d Lieut. E. 
A. Rich to 1st. Lieutenancy, and Orderly Sergeant J. E. 
Kelsey to 2d Lieutenancy, all with rank from Sept. 16th. 

The next morning we obtained a very large mail. Much 
the greater part of it was for our sick and absent ones, and 
what to do with it we did not know. Col. Groodrich suggested 
that I take it to Washington, and, if possible, find the men 
out. Gen. Greene gave his consent, and telling me to stay as 
long as was necessary to accomplish the object, I started for 
the city. 



172 THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 



XI. 

THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 

I REMAINED in Washington five days, visiting all the hospi- 
tals, delivering what letters I could, and writing to various 
localities for information concerning the absent? During this 
time the fever got hold of me, and after seeking in vain for 
the proper authority to give me permission to lay by for treat- 
ment, being sent from one official to another, till 1 could en- 
dure it no longer, I took the responsibility on myself to go to 
Baltimore, where I remained under medical treatment till the 
15th, when I again started to rejoin the regiment. 

At Washington I met Commissary-Sergeant Robertson, who 
considered himself sufficiently recovered to return to duty, 
who informed me that he had just been told that the regi- 
ment was at or near Harper's Ferry. As he had no transpor- 
tation of his own, he was going to try to reach that point by 
the cars. My horse was at Georgetown, and from there I 
rode him 22 miles that afternoon, to Seneca Mills, Md., and 
stayed over night with a fine old gentleman, the miller there. 

Started on the next morning for Harper's Ferry, but was 
warned, on striking the canal at the Monocacy, that it would 
be dangerous to go further in that direction. The passage of 
a rifle-ball a few feet in advance was accepted as good proof 
that the warning was not without reason, and I turned into 
the fields till I could strike the road to Frederick. From my 
starting point in the morning, Frederick City was only about 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN 17P 

28 miles ; but, in the round-about way of my getting to it, I 
rode 48 miles. It was five in tbe afternoon when I arrived 
in the city. The 9000 men paroled by the rebels at Harper's 
Ferry, were just passing through. Hotels and private houses 
were crowded with people, and the best I could do, by way 
of lodging, was to obtain the privilege of sleeping in the loft 
of the stable attached to the Dill House. 

Securing an early breakfast, on the morning of the 17th, I 
put on with all speed to find the regiment, having learned 
that the night before it was at Sharpsburg, distant 16 miles. 
Passing through Middletown, I overtook a long train of sup- 
ply-wagons, and, among them, those belonging to our Brigade. 
George L. Cook, of Company " A," was with the teams, and 
said they were ordered to report at Keedysville, and there I 
would probably find the regiment. 

Near Boonsboro', I crossed the South Mountain battle-field. 
About 400 rebel dead lay there unburied. But for their hair 
they would have been taken for negroes, so badly were they 
discolored, and their features swollen out of all natural shape. 
Continuous cannonading gave assurance that the work of 
death was again going on, at no great distance. Giving my 
horse the rein, I hurried forward, and soon met the wounded 
coming from the field. Turning down a lane, which, judging 
from the ambulances on it, would lead to the scene of action, 
I came, before long, to a large body of infantry, massed as 
reserves, and, a little beyond, to the reserve artillery, parked 
in great numbers. It was now 10 o'clock, and I was near the 
centre of our line. Inquiring of several stafi" officers where I 
should be likely to find General Greene's Division, I received 
contradictory replies, and hardly knew which way to turn in 
my search. Some thought it was on the left • others that it 
was just beyond, in the centre; others that it was with the 
reserves ; while others, still, were confident that it was on the 
right. 

I concluded to make my first search at the left ; but, after 
15* 



174 THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 

going about two miles, was positively informed that it was not 
there. I knew that it was not with the reserves, for I had 
recognized several of the wounded. I therefore concluded to 
try the right. After getting almost to the extreme right, I 
discovered one of our men, and learned that the regiment was 
not far off, though where he did not exactly know, as they 
had- broken, at the order to fall back, some two hours before, 
and he had not seen them since, but thought they could .not be 
far off. After going to the place where I was told Colonel 
Goodrich had fallen, and rendering some assistance in get- 
ting some wounded rebels cared for, i started again on the 
search. Accidentally coming upon General Greene, who, 
having nothing to do just then, was resting under aif apple 
tree, I learned from him that our Brigade had^been taken 
away from him to be used at some other point, early in the 
morning, but that he had sent an aid to hunt it up, and have 
it report there. I concluded to wait their coming. 

Shortly after, it was reported that General McCIellan and 
Staff were passing down the line. I remounted and rode to 
the extreme right with them. While riding through a barn- 
yard, where temporary relief was being afforded to the 
wounded, a poor fellow whose leg, shattered by a cannon ball, 
had not yet been amputated, raised himself on one foot, and 
taking off his cap, exclaimed with energy and feeling : " God 
bless you, Mac ! Go in and win !" Passing into a piece of 
woods, where a large body of infantry was resting, their hearty 
cheers announced to the rebels that the General was near, 
and immediately they brought their batteries to bear upon us, 
and, for five minutes, sent their shot and shell much neaj-er 
than was agreeable. My horse received a slight flesh wound, 
but no person was hurt. By this time, some eight or ten 
of our batteries having got the range, opened with fearful 
rapidity, and in less than a minute, the rebels were driven 
from their guns. 

On my return to General Greene, the regiment was just 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 175 

coming up. The Brigade was immediately formed and 
marched -to the front, where it took position for the night. 

In the morning I was able to make up the following list of 
casualties : 

Killed. — Col. Wm. B. Groodrich, shot by a rifle ball in 
the right breast ; David V. Robinson, Corporal of Co. " D," 
shot by a rifle ball in the left breast ; Frederick Hoxie, Ser- 
geant of Co. " I," shot through the left side by a rifle ball. 

Wounded Co. " A." Corporal L. Buck, rifle shot through 

the fleshy part of both thighs, severe, but not dangerous ; D. 
,A. McDonald, slight wound in left leg below the knee. 

Co. " C." Sergt. Geo. Clink, wounded m the breast by kick 
of a horse ; Corp. Lewis Thomas, severely wounded in right 
breast by the same ball which killed Sergt. Hoxie ; Gersham 
Severance, severely wounded, a ball passing through the body j 
John Sibbitts, severely wounded in the abdomen ; John Rob- 
inson, shot through the right hand. 

Co. " E." Wm. Blake, shot in the breast, is reported dead, 
but not officially reported, and it may be only a rumor ; J. 
Annett, nature of wound unknown. 

Co. ^' G»" John Carey, wounded slightly in the leg ; Alex. 
Curry, wounded by a rifle in" left arm ; arm since amputated. 

Co. " H." Wm. Bruce, severe rifle wound in the left breast; 
E. Dukett, wounded in the thigh; Benj. Preno, shell wound 
in the thigh ; James Megin, slight wound in the leg. 

Co. "I." F. S. Gray, wounded in the leg; Joseph King, 
wounded in the leg ; James Poq.uett, shot through the groin, 
also in the hand. 

Co. " K." Hugh Currier, wounded in the hand. 

M-ISSTNG. Nine. 

I do not remember that Blake, of Co. " E." was ever heard 
from. He probably died on the field. Corp. Thomas died on 
the 20th. Severance died on the 22d. 

The casualties in the Bri^-ade were as follows : 



176 THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 

Killed. Wounded. Missing. 

60th N. Y 3 19 9 

78tli N. Y 8 19 7 

3d Delaware 6 11 8 

Purnell Legion 3 23 9 

Total 20 72 33 

Our missing men all got back ; as I believe did most^ if 
not all, the others. 

Some days after, Lieut. -Col. Brundage made- two reports, 
one for the regiment and one for the brigade. I have lost 
my copy of the former, but give the latter. 

Headquarters 3d Brigade, Loudon Heights, Va., 

Sept. 25th, 1862. 
To Brig.-Gen. George S. Greene, 

Commanding 2d Division 11th Army Corps : 

I have the honor to report that on the morning of Sept. 17th, 
1862, Col. Wm. B. Goodrich being in "command of this Brigade, 
was ordered to take the Brigade, then composed of the 60th and 
78th N. Y. S. v., 3d Delaware and Purnell Legion, into the field 
on the right of the line of battle. Before getting into position 
the Purnell Legion was ordered to some other position on the 
field, which reduced the line of this Brigade to thf three first 
named regiments. On getting into position skirmishers were 
thrown out on the right and left, who cleared the woods of the 
enemy's sharpshooters. While thus engaged, and about an hour 
after the commencement, the Colonel commanding was mortally 
wounded and borne from the field. The command then devolved 
on Lieut.-Col. Austin, of the 78th N. Y., who remained in com- 
mand during the day. About an hour and a half from this time 
orders were received to withdraw the Brigade from the field. 
This was done, and the line shortly after re-formed about half a 
mile to the rear of its former position. The Brigade remained 
in this line till near dark, when they were ordered by yourself 
to rejoin the Division. 

This report is made from recollection only, no data being kept, 
as the command was not handed over to me till late in the even- 
ing. I deem it just, however, to make honorable mention of the 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 177 

coolness and bravery of the officers and men in action, especially 
of the true soldierly bearing of Col. Goodrich, the daring and 
courage of Lieut.-Col. Austin, and the valuable services of Oapt. 
Redington of the 60th N. Y., and 1st Lieut. McGreggor of the 
78th N. Y., the two latter having charge of the skirmishers. 
Respectfully submitted, 

CHARLES R. BRUNDAGE, 

Lieut.-Col. Commanding 3d Biagade. ,^^ 

Lester Willson, who had not yet received his commission as 
Lieutenant, had been acting for some time as Sergeant-Major, 
and, by permission of Gen. Greene, had gone North with the 
body of Gol. Goodrich. The Band bad gone to Washington 
for their discharge, and several officers had been sent home 
on sick leave, some days before the battle. Our whole force 
in the fight on the ,17th was 226. Of this number the skir- 
mishers only — about one-fifth of the whole command — were 
really engaged in the fight, the remainder of the command 
being compelled to lie down on the ground. As the enemy's 
fire was very heavy, the position was more tryin^than if the 
boys had been allowed to stand up and return it ; but they 
bore it uobly, and did not leave the field till two regiments iu 
front of them had broken through their line, and to stay 
longer was useless. 

On the 18th, I visited several of the hospitals. Many were 
in great pain, so severe were their injuries; but nearly all 
were calm and patient. One wounded rebel inquired of Lt.- 
Col. Brundage, " What regiment do you belong to ?'' 

" The Sixtieth New York." 

" Damn your Enfield Rifles ! See there," pointing to a 
frightful wound in his arm. 

Poor fellow ! not he alone bore witness to the awful power 
of the Enfield. No other rifle ball makes so ugly a wound. 
I speak this from personal observation, having on that and 
the following day looked on 2,000 of our own men dead on 
the field, and upwards of 5,000 dead rebels, and noted the 



178 THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 

effect of tlie different kinds of ammunition. The accuracy 
of the Enfield was also tested by the fact that of seventy 
dead rebels who lay in front of our position, more than sixty 
were shot through the head. Our men aimed for the head, 
not from choice, but from necessity, as the rebels on beihg 
driven from the woods scattered in an adjoining cornfield, and 
their heads alone were visible. 

I noticed one rebel with five shots through his head. lie 
was kneeling on one knee, his gun lying on his left hand, as 
though he had just been in the act of taking aim. When 1 
saw him he had probably been dead some twelve hours, but 
other dead lay so against him that he had not fallen from the 
position he was in when shot. Others were in a sitting pos- 
ture ; some were lying on their side, as if asleep ; some were 
lying on their backs, with arms outstretched, and fingers 
spread, as if they were clutching or keeping off a Toe. Where 
the artillery had swept them with grape and canister, their line 
of battle could be traced by the dead bodies that lay on it — 
sometimes as far as the eye could see. Permission had been 
given the ?febels to bury their dead ; but, under a flag of truce 
for that purpose, they had sent out their pickets to hide their 
nJbvements, and had fled, leaving their dead at our disposal. 
We buried them in trenches, near where they fell. 

The prisoners that were brought in were an a\>erage, proba- 
bly of their troops, and, for the most part, were men of good 
age and size. In personal appearance they would compare 
favorably with any army. A few appeared to be too young 
for tlie service, and some said they were but sixteen years old ; 
bu!the great majority of them were in appearance from thirty 
to forty-five. 

Having prepared a biographical sketch of Colonel Goodrich, 
for publication in another form, it may not be amiss for me to 
give a synopsis of it here. 

William Bingham Goodrich was the oldest son of Hubbard 
Goodrich, M. D., and was born in Wilna, Jefferson County, 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 179 

New York, December 1st, 1821. At the age of fourteen he 
lost his father, and, being thrown on his own resources for the 
support of himself and the large .family of his mother, de- 
veloped that strong self-reliance which was so prominently 
marked as to be observed by all who came in contact with him 
in after life. 

By great industry and sacrifice, performing menial offices in 
the seminary as a compensation for his tuition, boarding him- 
self while at school, and teaching and studying alternately, he 
obtained his education. For three or four years he engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, at first in Wisconsin, and afterwards in 
Missouri, where, at the breaking out of the war with Mexico, 
he volunteered in the Missouri Battalion of Infantry, under 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Easton, and went to the seat 
of war as Acting Adjutant of Recruits. 

Remaining in the army till peace was declared, he went the 
overland route from Santa Fe to California, with Government 
despatches. The discovery of gold about this time had drawn 
many to California, and Mr. Goodrich remained there a little 
more than a year, trading in the mountains. Having obtained 
a competency, he returned to New York, and entered the Law 
School, at Ballston Spa. Concluding his studies, he went, at 
the urgent request of his sister, who was residing there, to 
Madrid, St. Lawrence County, New York, and commenced 
the practice of law. 

For nine years from June, 1850, he held a commission as 
Judge Advocate of the 33d New York S. M., with rank of 
Major. 

In January, 1851, he was married to Lydia Elvira Hildreth, 
daughter of Thaddeus Hildreth, Esq., of Herkimer County, 
New York. One child, a daughter, was born to them. Re- 
moving to Canton, in the spring of 1853, he remained there 
till the organization of his Company, in 1861. 

In the fall of 1855 he was regularly admitted to the bar. 



180 THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 

As an aid to the Republican party in its first campaign, he 
started a political newspaper, issuing the first number of '' The 
St. Lawrence Plain Dealer/' Aug. 7, 1856, which he continued 
to publish, part of the time alone, and a part in company with 
S. P. Remington, now Major in the U. S. Cavalry, till the 
fall of 1858, when Remington took entire control. 

On the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. Goodrich took an 
active part in the efibrts made to obtain volunteers, and in an 
oration given at Fine, New York, on the Fourth of July, 1861, 
he urged the citizens to regard it as their highest privilege to 
arm in defence of the Government. His own action in the 
matter has been given in preceding pages. 

Colonel Goodrich anticipated a fight, and seems to have had 
a presentiment of his fate, the day before the battle of Antie- 
tam. While marching the regiment up to join other troops in 
advance, on the morning of the 16th, he remarked to Acting 
Sergeant-Major Willson, who was riding by his side, that in "! 
the event of a fight it was possible he might be killed, and, 
writing down the address of hjs wife, gave it to "Willson, with 
the request that he should telegraph her in the event of his ^ 
falling, and that, unless his remains should be so badly muti- 
lated as not to be recognized, they might be sent to his 
family. 

At daylight, on the 17th, the troops were awakened by a 
■ brisk firing of musketry 3 and receiving immediate orders to 
fall in, were soon in the midst of the fight, near the extreme 
right of the Union line, where through the entire day the re- 
sults of the engagement were more varied than on any other 
portion of the field. The rebels had possession of a corn- 
field, and were fighting desperately to obtain a piece of woods. 
Into this woods Colonel Goodrich led the Brigade, and, de- 
ploying a portion of his men as skirmishers^ held the enemy 
in check. 

He was firm, cool, and determined, and encouraged his men 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 181 

to do their best. In a short time he was seen to fall. Will- 
son went immediately to him, and assisted in raising him from 
the ground. Recovering from the first sensation of faintness, 
he exclaimed, " My God, I am hit !" and sank away uncon- 
scious. A rifle ball, probably sent by some sharpshooter who 
had been on the watch for him, and, from the direction the 
ball took, had perhaps fired on him from a tree-top, entered 
his right breast, and, passing down behind the stomach, 
severed an artery near the intestines. 

He was taken to a barn at the rear of the field, where he 
soon revived. Seeing Willson near him, he smiled, and 
seemed greatly comforted. As strength would, from time to 
time, permit, he spoke of his family in most endearing terms, 
calling them by name, and desiring Willson to take his remains 
to them. Earnest inquiries were made for the boys in the 
field, and great anxiety was manifest that they should do their 
duty. Exclaiming, " I have always tried to do my duty I" 
he gently, and without pain, passed from life. 

In religious sentiment. Colonel Goodrich was a Universalist, 
It and the consolations of that faith were tendered to those — an 
immense throng — who followed his remains to their resting- 
place, beside the cottage where his best beloved dwell. Adorn- 
ing his grave with beautiful flowers, and cherishing his 
memory in loving hearts, his wife and child think of what he 
was, in what a glorious cause he fell, and find comfort in the 
assurance of the future and immortal life. 

" His was the generous heart to thee unclosed; 

His was the arm whereon thy trust reposed ; 

His was the simple faith, the will complete, 

The soldier daring, never taught retreat : 

That only saw, wherever danger led. 

The star of Duty shining overhead ; 

Followed that star through battle's fiery breath. 

And hailed it shining on the front of Death !'' 
16 



182 - THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN. 

It is the fate of nearly every commanding officer, in the 
volunteer service, to be alternately liked and disliked by his 
men. Colonel Goodrich did not escape from this experience ; 
but, .at his death, and for some time previous, the regiment 
was very much attached to him, and he lives in their memo- 
ry, and will always, with affectionate regard. Peace to hia 
ashes ! 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 183 



XII. 
RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

Early on the morning of the 19th September, we were 
ordered to march. Passing over a large portion of the battle- 
field of the 17th, we made slow progress till we reached 
Sharpsburg, at dark, when we put on faster, and marched till 
1 o'clock, A. M., towards -^laryland Heights, when we halted 
and slept till sunrise. After breakfast, we started to ascendT 
the Heights. The road soon became only a path, and so steep 
was the ascent that we were compelled to make frequent halts. 
On reaching the summit, the Signal Corps telegraphed, by 
flags, to know what should be done with us ; and, while the 
question was being answered, we looked about the place, 
noting, by the marks on the trees, that some severe fighting 
was had before the place was evacuated at the surrender of 
Harper's Ferry ; and also enjoyed the magnificent prospect from 
the highest altitude in all that section of Virginia. We were 
1312 feet above the water level of the Potomac, which, at the 
point where it rolled below us, was 288 feet above tide-water, 
so that we were 1600 feet higher than the sea, and some of 
the men, by climbing the trees, got 30 or more feet still higher. 

After staying on the mountain about two hours, we were 
ordered to go down on the other side, and at dark halted, and 
went into camp near Sandy Hook. The next day being Sun- 
day, General Greene ordered the Brigade paraded for religious 
service, which was held at 5 P. M., and was very generally 
attended by all the regiments. 

;At sunrise, on Tuesday, we left camp and marched up to 



184 RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

the Potomac, which we forded at a point just above the Rail- 
road Bridge, and, having passed through Harper's Ferry, 
which looked more dirty and desolate than it did in May, 
forded the Shenandoah, and climbed Loudon Heights. 

A soldier, heavily loaded with pans and kettles, had pressed 
a mule into the service, just before crossing the Potomac, and 
was very merry over the prospect of getting across dry-shod. 
His beast came on very well till, just as he had reached the 
deepest place, he concluded to have his part of the fun there, 
and drawing himself suddenly up, threw his rider completely 
into the stream, and turning round made one of those abor- 
tive attempts, so common to the breed, to neigh like a horse. 
He then suffered his drenched rider to remount, and proceeded 
on his way with becoming gravity, till he found the deepest 
place in the Shenandoah, where, without any omission, he 
repeated his cunning trick, greatly to the chagrin of his 
rider, but to the great enjoyment of everybody else. 

The Loudon Heights are a poor place for comfort at any 
time ; but our first night there was uncommonly rough. "We 
could not sleep upon the ground — the rocks were too thick 
for that — and therefore we disposed ourselves on the stones to 
the best possible advantage. When our tents came up the 
next day, we managed, by taking out some stone, and covering 
up others, to find comparatively comfortable places. Some of 
the men put up stone walls from three to five feet in height, 
and by stretching the tent over these had quite roomy places. 
The nights on the mountain were very cold, and the heavy 
dew dripped like rain from the trees. 

For awhile it was very expensive living there. Soft bread 
could only be obtained from the ferry at a cost of forty cents 
per loaf; butter at sixty cents per lb.; potatoes one dollar per 
peck ; and other vegetables at proportionate prices. 

Our occupation of the Heights was chiefly for the purpose 
of keeping watch of rebel movements up the valley towards 
Leesburg, in the direction of which we several times sent out 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 185 

scouts and reconnoitring parties. Several hundred troops 
were also daily engaged in clearing the timber from the moun- 
tains, that it might no longer serve as a hiding-place for guer- 
illas ; but as it was some two hundred feet lower than Mary- 
land Heights, might be easily commanded by the batteries there. 

On the 2d of October President Lincoln paid us a visit. 
He looked pale and worn, as though the terrible care and re- 
sponsibility of his position weighed heavily on him. He re- 
mained but a short time, being obliged, in order to avoid the 
appearance of partiality, to visit all portions of the army. 

The line officers of our Regiment held a meeting the same 
morning, and expressed a unanimous desire for the promo- 
tion of Lieut.-Col. Brundage to the Colonelcy. A few days 
after they petitioned for Capt. Hyde's promotion to the Lieut.- 
Colonelcy. 

On the od we moved camp, having selected a place quite 
free from rocks, and on a lower slope than the one we had been 
occupying. After getting the underbrush removed, we found 
it a very pleasant spot. 

Our hospital was at the Ferry, and the fever symptoms again 
making their appearance, we soon had a large number under 
treatment. Some thirty or more who had been absent sick, 
returned to us just after the battle of Antietam, and the 
greater portion of these were ailing and unfit for duty. 

On the 6th, the quartermaster of the 3d Delaware brought 
a rumor that within three weeks our regiment was to go on 
the railroad again. No one seemed to feel very bad at the 
prospect, for all skepticism of Major James' previous state- 
ment had been dissipated long before. 

About this time our ni«n began to change complexion. 
Jaundice became general, and florid cheeks were the ex- 
ception. Gen. G-reene felt necessitated to take a furlough, 
and Lieut.-Col. Brundage got permission to go down to a pri- 
vate house for treatment. There "was a very sick child at that 
house, and, at the request of the parents, I christened it. An 



186 RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

old lady, who was present, said she had often noticed that when 
a sick child was christened, it made an almost immediate dif- 
ference to it ; it either got well or else died. She thought 
the service a very important one for the child, and hoped for 
its immediate recovery. A very good hope, but rather a 
variable experience on which to base it ! 

On the 9th, Capt. Hyde was arraigned before a Court-Mar- 
tial convened at the Ferry, on a charge preferred against him 
by one of Gen. Sumner's Aids. I went down as his counsel. 
My first experience in the law. The case, as near as I can 
remember, run thus : 

Charge : Positive and wilful disobedience of orders on 
the field of battle. 

Specification: In this, that he, Captain William H. Hyde, 
GOth Regt. N. Y. S. V. did at Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1862, 
when ordered by an Aid of Greneral Sumner to take his com- 
pany to the Front, positively refuse to do so, saying that he 
was not in command, or words to that effect. 

Two witnesses were examined for the prosecution, who 
swore that in riding up to the GOth Regt., on the day named, 
and some time after the fighting in the morning, and after the 
Brigade had been ordered to fall back, they inquired for the 
Senior Ofiicer, and were referred to Capt. Hyde, and that on 
ordering him to march the regiment to join the Brigade, he 
answered that Lt.-Col. Bfundage was in command, had re- 
ceived the order, arid was engaged in executing it, having but 
just stepped aside to collect some stragglers, ordering the reg- 
iment to remain where it was till he came back, and that 
not being left in command, he, Hyde, refused to advance. 

I introduced witnesses to show that Lt.-Col. Brundage was 
in command, that he received the order sworn to, and that he 
obeyed it, and on rejoining the Brigade, found it to the rear 
of the position occupied by the regiment at the time of re- 
ceiving the order. 

A verdict of acquittal was asked for on the ground that 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 187 

Capt. Hyde was not ordered to marcli his " Company/^ as 
charged ; that he was not ordered to " march to the front/' 
as charged ; that he did not " wilfully disobey/' as charged ; 
but by awaiting the arrival of Lieut.-Col. Brundage, with the 
stragglers, the order really given was most speedily obeyed, 
and that the regiment did march to rejoin the Brigade, which 
was in the rear, and not to the front. 

Some time transpired before we learned what the decision 
was, as no member of a court-martial is at liberty to state 
what its verdict is till the proceedings have been confirmed or 
disapproved by the General who orders the court, and his de- 
cision is published to the troops ; but, in time. Captain Hyde 
was honorably acquitted, and ordered to return to duty. 

About this time. Lieutenant Willson returned. He was 
commissioned First Lieutenant and Adjutant, October 8th. 
Sixty of our men were also sent us from the Convalescent 
Camp, at Alexandria. 

Orderly-Sergeant Langdon Clark was 4)romoted to Second 
Lieutenant, in Company " A," with rank from October 8th. 

On the 11th, Quartermaster Merritt, who had been away, 
by order of General Slocum, to hunt up the convalescents, 
returned with a large number. Major Godard also rejoined 
us; and I obtained a furlough and went to Baltimore, at the 
request of many of the officers, to have an interview with Mr. 
Smith, Master of Transportation of the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, with reference to our being again placed on duty on 
that road. He expressed himself as being anxious for our 
return, and advised that we petition to be removed to the 
Middle Department, which he had no doubt would be granted, 
and, if it was, he would then get us placed on our old post. 

On my return to the regiment, I learned that Lieutenant- 
Colonel Brundage had sent a protest to the Governor against 
the promotion of Captain Hyde on the ground that, being 
under arrest, he was not eligible to the office ; and had asked 
that Major Godard be made Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain 



188 RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

Hugh Smith, Major. The Lieutenant-Colonel began to talk 
strongly of resigning, and the Major was obliged, on account 
of continued ill-health, to go to a private house at the Ferry. 

On the 21st, in company with Hospital Steward Cornish, I 
went over to the hospital at Smoketown, on Antietam battle- 
field, to visit our wounded who still remained there. Found 
them all doing well. Traces of the terrible fight were in a 
great measure obliterated. Many of our dead had been dis- 
interred, and removed north by their friends, and winter grain 
was already springing up on the open fields where the slaugh- 
ter had been most terrible, and where the rebel dead were 
buried in trenches containing, so the headboards said, some 
sixty, some one hundred, and some as high as two hundred 
bodies ! 

The next day we had a tedious time at our camp. Some 
one set fire to the fallen timber, and it spread all over the 
mountain, driving us from our camp, and nearly blinding and 
suffocating us with smoke. 

About this time, sickness was most decidedly on the in- 
crease with us again. The Doctor had about one hundred on 
his list, chiefly those who had been returned from the hospitals. 

The order issued from the War Department, allowing Kegu- 
lar Army Officers to enlist for any branch of their service 
from the ranks of the Volunteers, influenced about twenty of 
our men to leave us and join the Regulars. It was, in my 
opinion, a very ungenerous and unjust order, for every com- 
missioned officer in the Volunteer service had been to more or 
less personal expense and inconvenience in getting up their 
commands. For us, the order came at a very unfortunate 
time, for, our Field Officers having been .sick so long, many . 
things had gone at loose ends, and much discontent and dis- 
satisfaction existed in the ranks. Those who left, however, 
to get rid of a temporary inconvenience, did not, I fear, better 
their condition any way by the transfer. 

At 10 o'clock, on the night of the 21th, word came that we 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 189 

must immediately provide ourselves with two days' cooked 
rations, and be in readiness to march at a moment's notice. 
The rations were prepared, and the men kept under arms all 
the next day. At dark, an order came that there would be 
no movement at present, but that preparations must be made 
for inspection at 8 the next morning. The men, having been 
burnt out of their former camp, and having no adequate shel- 
ter for the nights, which were then very cold and blustering, 
were very impatient of any labor that took them from their 
work; and when, on the night of the 26th, they came back 
to camp, after having been out in a cold rain all day, and des- 
cribed that all the inspection they had seen, was that one of 
General McClellan's Staff had looked at them for a moment, 
took no notice whatever of their rifles, and only opened one or 
two cartridge boxes, no one could blame them for calling the 
whole thing a shameful farce, as they crawled away among the 
rocks, hunting in vain for a dry place, where they might get 
through the night without suffering from the W€t and cold. 

On the 24th, Albert Walrath, of Company " F," died at 
Regimental Hospital, at Harper's Ferry, of typhus fever. He 
was buried in the general burying-ground at the Ferry. 

A few days after, we got word that Lieutenant H. C. Rey- 
^aolds had died, at Washington, on the 24th, from a relapse, 
after convalescence from the fever. Since accompanying the 
remains of Colonel Miles to Baltimore, after the surrender of 
Harper's Ferry, he had remained there, and was in a fair way 
of recovery, till summoned to Washington, to appear before the 
Board then investigating the circumstances of the surrender. 
The fatigue of going to the city, and the excitement while 
there, was too much for him. He was a young man of great 
amiability of disposition, much respected and beloved by all 
who had been brought in contact with him. 

On the 28th, we moved from the Heights to Loudon Valley, 
and a change was effected in our Brigade relations. The 60th, 
140th, and 145th New York, 3d Delaware and Purnell 



190 RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

Legion, became the Second Brigade in Second Division of the 
Twelfth Army Corps. General A. J. Jackson was assigned 
to our Brigaj^e. He was a man of whose antecedents we 
knew nothing, and of whose subsequent ability I am not aware 
that anything remarkable has been discovered yet. 

On our coming into the Valley, expectations -were encour- 
aged of our going into winter quarters there; and the men 
went to work again with a will to lay out a pleasant camp, and 
erect log huts. Two days were given to the work, and great 
expectations were had of what the third day would accomplish, 
when at midnight, on the 30th, orders came to be prepared 
to march at 6 the next morning. 

We were all astir at 5 o'clock in the morning, and at 6 
marched out into the road. Our destination was Bolivar 
Heights, to take the place of troops that were to be sent to the 
front ; but, owing to delay in their vacating their camp, we did 
not come to a final halt till about dark, when we took position 
not far from our location in May. 

Dr. Gale arrived at the Ferry that night, having been home 
on twenty days' leave of absence, on account of sickness. 
General Greene also returned. 

The next morning Lieutenant-Colonel Brundage came to the 
conclusion that he could not recover his health while he re- 
mained in the field, and sent in his resignation. General 
Greene sent me a copy of a letter he had written to Governor 
Morgan, asking that I be commissioned as Colonel of the Six- 
tieth, and Major Godard joined the Staff Officers in recom- 
commending me, and petitioning that General Greene's re- 
quest be granted. 

Subsequently several steps were taken towards that end, 
and, although considerable time elapsed before they were all 
made, I may as well mention them all in this connection^ 
The Line Officers, with but three exceptions, petitioned the 
Governor, and I believe that, with but two exceptions, the 
non-commissioned officers did the same. Letters in my behalf 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 191 

, were addressed to Governor Morgan by Generals Slough and 
Busteed, Dr. S. N. Sherman, Captain R. C. Gale, and Lieute- 
nant E. A. Merritt, of the army; and by Hons. A. B. James, 
Geo. E. Baker^ and Benjamin Squires. I also had a personal 
interview with the Governor, having accidentally met him at 

j Washington, when sent there on business for the Regiment 

' by Major-General Slocum. Several friends talked with him 
on the subject; and his answer to them, as to me, was in sub- 

. stance, that he doubted the propriety of promoting a chaplain 
to such a position; that previous promotions of a kindred 
character had given dissatisfaction, and he did not feel willing 
to try it again. Although I have sometimes felt that other 
reasons influenced the Governor, and other motives swayed 
his action in the case, I have no disposition to charge that it 
was so, nor to complain at the result. I may, however, say 
that, in my opinion, the petitions and requests above named 
ought to have made the Governor willing to lay aside his pre- 
judice against me because I was a chaplain, especially as I 
avowed to him my willingness to go before any Board, and be 
examined as to my military qualifications. 

As General Greene's letter is the only one of which I have 
any copy, I insert it here : 

Headquarters Third Brigade, 
Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, 

Harper's Ferry, Nov. 2, 1862. 
His Excellency 

E. D. Morgan, 

Governor of New York. 
Your Excellency: 

The death of Colonel Goodrich by the hands of the insurgents, 
whilst gallantly leading my Brigade into action, at the battle of 
Antietam, and the ill health of Lieutenant-Colonel Brundage, 
which I understand will preclude his continuance in the service, 
leaves the Regiment with but one field ofiicer. 

I beg leave to recommend for the Colonel of the Sixtieth Re«-i- 



192 RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

ment N. Y. S. Vols., Richard Eddy, who has been Chaplain of 
the Regiment from its organization. Mr. Eddy is well known to 
me since I have been connected with the Sixtieth Regiment. By 
his education, intelligence, industry, and devotion to the service, 
I believe he will fully justify the confidence I ask you to repose 
in him. 

After my return to duty from a short sick leave, I regret to 
find that the Sixtieth Regiment has been transferred from my 
command. 

I have in my command now the 78th, 102d, 137th, and 149th 
N. Y. S. Vols., and two regiments from Pennsylvania. 
Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

GEORGE S. GREENE, 
Gommanding Third Brigade. 

On the evening of Sunday, Nov. 2d, the Regiment went 
down to Harper's Ferry, being ordered to guard Government 
stores there and in the vicinity. Four Companies went down 
to Knoxville, Company "I" was at Sandy Hook, two were at the 
Depot, and three on the Island, between the canal which for- 
merly supplied motive power for the Government work-shops, 
and the Shenandoah river. 

On the 8d I again used the following : 

Harper's Ferry, Oct. 21, 1862. 
Pass bearer to Smoketown and return. 

0. HOWE, 
Provost Marshal. 

I went, however, a little further than Antietam, but did not, 
as those who were in the secret knew very well, consume a 
great deal of- time. It was a secret service, supposed at the 
time to be very important ! 

On the 6th a petition was started for Captain Hyde's pro- 
motion to the Colonelcy. I do not know how many signatures 
were obtained, but I believe it was never forwarded to 
Albany. 



I 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 193 

On the Tth, we had quite a severe snow storm. Many of 
the men were comfortably housed ; but such as were not, had 
got their tents up, and arrangements for heating them, so that 
all were, on the whole, in very good quarters. Major Godard 
thought he felt well enough to leave his boarding place, and 
come down and take command, which the Lieutenant-Colonel 
had been compelled to relinquish on account of ill-health, and 
he therefore came down to Headquarters at No. 27 Shenan- 
doah Street, a house with two rooms on the floor, where we 
had plenty of windows, but very little glass in them ! but which 
was, in that wet and muddy time, much preferable to a tent 
on the ground. 

The Quartermaster's brother-in-law, Charles Rich, came 
down from his home, in Illinois, to see the war go on, and we 
pressed him into the service to be our cook and caterer, Wm. 
Moss, Jr., having been discharged before we left Bolivar. 
Many a remarkably tenacious soup did he get up for us, be- 
sides much fun. The days were devoted to business, the 
evenings to song and story-telling ■ special remembrance be- 
ing now had of some wonderful '^ flies" and '^ boots !" 

On the 11th, as Colonel Godard may remember, information 
came to us of a select and private meeting to be held that 
afternoon on the subject of officering the regiment. The 
Lieutenant-Colonel suddenly appeared in their midst as an 
uninvited guest, and giving them some wholesome advice on 
the subject of secret meetings, ordered them to their posts. 

That night Henry J. Smith, of Company " I," died of 
typhus fever, at Regimental Hospital. He was buried at the 
Ferry. 

The next evening, an open meeting was held, and my 
friends, from moLves of policy, cast their votes for Major 
Godard, for the Colonelcy; Captain Thomas, for Lieutenant- 
Colonel, and Captain Smith, for Major. After that, a greai 
deal of discontent was manifest, and the officers drew up and 
forwarded the petition in my behalf, of which I have made 
17 



194 RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

previous mention. The Governor certainly could not have 
had a very clear notion of what the officers really did want ! 

Our Paymaster, wrote that the clothing accounts of the 
men must be entered on the rolls before we could be paid 
again. Lieutenant-Colonel Brundage went to General Slocum 
in regard to the matter, and it was djetermined that I should 
go to Washington with the necessary books and papers. I ^ 
went on the following order : 

Headquarters Twelfth Corps, 

Harper's Ferry, Va., Nov. 12th, 1862. 
Rev. Richard Eddy, Chaplain of the 60th Reg't N. Y. Yds., 
will proceed to Washington, on business connected with his regi- 
ment, and return as soon as possible. 
By command of Major-General Slocum. 

H. C. ROGERS, A. A. G. 

The clothing account books had all been destroyed at the 
time our regimental property was burned at Manassas, except- 
ing the books of Companies " A" and " C." These I took 
with me, and also certificates respecting the destruction of the 
others. The Paymaster-General decided that it was not pro- 
per for me. to enter the accounts of the two companies, because 
a certificate of the correctness of the account, from the com- 
manding officer of the company, must accompany the account 
on the roll. There were, however, some important omissions 
from the rolls of another character, and these, if I could ob- 
tain the Adjutant-General's consent, I might supply; as it 
was necessary they should be supplied before payment could 
be made. Having obtained the required consent, I went to 
work, and for two days wrote steadily, in the Adjutant- 
General's office. 

On returning to the Ferry, I learned that Lieutenant-Colonel 
Brundage's resignation had been accepted. On the 16th, he 
started for home to regain his health, and to enjoy, in peaceful 
avocations, I most sincerely hope, the days that it may please 
God to grant him on the earth. 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 195 

Subsequently, the Governor commissioned Captain J. C. O 
Redington, Lieutenant-Colonel, with rank from November 6th. 

Promotions with rank from same date were made of First 
Lieutenant James Young, to Captain ; Second Lieutenant 
Thomas Hobart, to First Lieutenant, and Orderly-Sergeant 
Gr. M. Eastman, to Second Lieutenant. One Diven was also, 
by connivance of Redington with General Jackson, made 
First Lieutenant, with rank from November 5th. This was 
an' outrage. There was no vacancy November 5th ; besides 
Diven was an outsider, a civilian, and the position was given 
him not on account of qualification or merit, but to gratify his 
father, a member of Congress, and a Colonel in some other 
regiment, who wanted a place for his son on the Staff of 
Brigadier-General Jackson. He went immediately " to his own 
place," and it is to be hoped will remain there. 

On the 15th Lieutenant James M. King was discharged, 
having tendered his resignation on Surgeon's certificate of 
disability, he never having recovered from the effects of typhus 
fever. Diven's appointment, although his rank was given 
him ten days before .Lieutenant King's discharge, was in- 
tended, I suppose, to fill this vacancy. 

On the 21st, Lieutenant, N. M. Dickinson, who had been 
sick since the campaign in Maryland, obtained leave of absence 
for twenty days, and went home. 

Major Godard was appointed Provost Marshal of Harper's 
Ferry, on the 23d, and inaugurated several important reforms ; 
one of the most serviceable being the cleaning of the streets 
and sidewalks, a thing that had been neglected so long that 
getting down to the original foundations was like untombing 
an ancient city ! 

General Jackson desired an interview with me on the 25th, 
and T Ttent up to his Headquarters. .He desired some infor- 
mation with regard to the regiment, especially with reference 
to sending out some officers to obtain recruits. I gave my 
opinion that no success could be expected in recruiting until 



196 RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 

the Field Officers were appointed. He replied that nothing 
■would be done about that until the regiment was filled up, 
and that he had written to the Governor not to fill such va- 
cancies. 

I took counsel of some other Generals in the matter, all of 
whom thought that Jackson had sadly gone out of his way ; 
especially as our regiment had now more men in it than any 
other in the command ! 

On Monday, December 1st, we moved Headquarters to a 
larger and pleasanter house in High Street, and congratulated 
ourselves in having got into very comfortable winter quarters. 
On the 2d, the Quartermaster's wife and child came, and 
living began once more to seem human. 

Lieutenants Gleafeon and C. H. Dickinson, who had resigned 
on account of ill health, were notified on the 5th, that they 
were honorably discharged. The latter left that day; but, 
owing to strategy, a very popular thing in the army, the- 
former did not get off till the next day ; at which time, Cap- 
tain Thomas was sent off on some errand in regard to con- 
valescents ! 

Subsequently, Sergeant Stephen Adams was promoted to 
Second Lieutenant, to fill the vacancy caused by the discharge 
of Gleason, and Sergeant J. Ingram to Second Lieutenant, in 
place of C. H. Dickinson ; the former with rank from Novem- 
ber 27th, the latter from November 20th. 

Major Godard had been sick a long time, and being satisfied, 
as was the Surgeon, that his disease had become chronic, he 
obtained a certificate of disability, and tendered his resigna- 
tion on the 8th. The order for his discharge was made out on 
the 13th, I believe, and when it reached him, a few days after, 
he started for home. 

Some time afterwards, Captain Winslow M. Thomas was 
commissioned Major, and Quartermaster E. A. Merritt, Cap- 
tain of Company " D ;" both with rank from December 30th. 
The latter immediately declined the commission and returned 



RETURN TO VIRGINIA. 197 

it to Albany, with a strong request that the. office should be 
^ ven to Sergeant Volney M. Carter, whose recommendatiou 
for the First Lieutenancy had been set aside to make a place 
for the fellow Diven, and who, on account of the long-continued 
sickness of all the company officers, had, by faithful discharge 
of duty, as the commanding officer, richly merited and earned 
the promotion. 

The request was not without effect, for a commission came 
for Captain Carter, with rank from December 30th. 

Not till about this time, did we cease to have new cases of 
typhus fever ; but here we reached, after having had, in all, 
767 cases, the jDottom line. It had been a terrible scourge to 
us, continually imposing the most exhaustive duties, and com- 
pelling familiarity Avith the most heart-rending scenes. God 
save us from a repetition of such experiences ! 



17* 



198 THE MARCH TO DUMFRIES. 



XIII. 

THE MARCH TO DUMFRIES. 

On the 9th of December, the following Order was issued 
to the command ; 

Headquarters 60th Regiment N. Y. S. Vols., 
Harper's Ferry. Va., 

November 9th, 1862. 
Regimental Order. No. 94. 

I. In obedience to General Order No. 29, Headquarters Second 
JDivision Twelfth Army Corps, this regiment will be in readiness 
to move at 5 o'clock to-morrow morning. 

Reveille will be at 3 o'clock, A. M. The companies will form 
on their various parade grounds, at a quarter of 5, in entire 
readiness for a march, and stack arms. 

Commanders of companies will be held strictly responsible 
that every man is present except those admitted by the Surgeon 
into the Hospital, and the mechanics detailed under Captain 
Flagg. For the securing of this, there will be a roll-call, at- 
which all the commissioned ofl&cers will be present, at a quarter 
of 5 o'clock, and another when the line is formed for starting. 

II. Each man will be provided with two days' rations in haver- 
sacks, and 40 rounds of cartridges in boxes, as well as a rifle and 
accoutrements. 

III. The^ tents and improvements will be left standing, except 
one wall-tent for each set of Company Officers. These as well 
as the three ordered for the Field and Staff, (by General Order 
No. 160 War Department,) will be carried on the wagon. 

IV. The General commanding the Division has reiterated, in 
strongest terms, the sentiments of General Order No. 155, Army 
of the Potomac, concerning straggling — the strict punishment for 
which is death. 



THE MARCH TO DUMFRIES. 199 

Commanders of companies will march in rear of their com- 
mands, and allow no man to leave the ranks except upon ex- 
tremest emergency. At the various halts the men will not be 
allowed to wander away. A sufficient rear-guard will be de- 
tailed, who will arrest and report all stragglers. A permit to 
leave the regiment must be signed by the regimental com- 
mander. No man will apply to him for permission to leave the 
regiment without producing a written permission from his com- 
pany commander. 

V. The Surgeon will supply a list of all men to be left in Hos- 
pital. They will be furnished with their descriptive lists, in 
default of which they will be denied admittance. 

YI. Fellow-soldiers : We are called upon again for active ser- 
vice. Shall we respond worthy of Northern New York ? 

By order of - Capt. J. C. 0. REDINGTON, 

Commanding Regt. 

L. S. WiLLSON, 

Adjutant 60th N. Y. S. Vols. 

The whole Corps was to move, and we understood that we 
were to go to Burnside, at Falmouth. Five A. M., on the 
10th, was the hour fixed on for starting, and when the hour 
came, we were ready, but some delay occurring, as usual, it 
was near noon before the regiment got fairly under way. 
■ Rich and myself stayed behind with the Quartermaster, 
who had a good deal of Government property ofl his hands 
to dispose of, and having sent our trunks home, we started at 
10 the next morning, to rejoin the troops, and, after a horse- 
back ride of 27 miles, came up with the regiment at 7.30 P. 
M., bivouacked in a field five miles south of Leesburg. It 
was a very frosty flight, but, by putting all our blankets to- 
gether, we were not afi"ected by the weather. 

The next morning we were ofi", at 6.30. We supposed, at 
starting, that we were to bring up at night at Centreville, 13 
miles distant ; but at 2 P. M., we came to a halt about mid- 
way of the two places. There we remained over night, and, 
putting up our tents, had a very comfortable time. At day- 



200 THE MARCH TO DUMFRIES. 

light next day we started on, halting for the night in a pine 
grove at Fairfax C. H., a place which might, perhaps, have 
looked very well before the breaking out of the rebellion ; but 
is most decidedly dilapidated now. T>. M. Robertson and 
myself rode together most of the day, and some of the time in 
advance, for the purpose of looking at the country. All we 
saw, seemed like a barren waste. Some negroes we met 
thought it was very good land, however, for " they could raise 
two barrels of corn on an acre !" 

The next day, Sunday, Dec. 14, we marched all day, but 
very slowly, for the artillery so cut up the roads that it was 
very difficult for the teams to follow. Fording Occoquan 
river, we made only about eight miles, and halted just before 
dark. It was 9 o'clock before the teams got up, and quite 
late before we got our supper, and were ready to sleep. 

The rumor that General Banks, having manoeuvred with his 
fleet, as if he was going to sea, had suddenly put about, and, 
entering the James river, had taken and destroyed Fort Dar- 
ling, reached us next morning, and for awhile gave us much 
joy. That day we marched about eight miles further, and, 
after fording the Neabsco river, parked all the teams together, 
and halted for the night. Rich will remember that we had 
to go a long distance for water, and that it was very late again 
before we got anything to eat. In the night the wind blew 

down one corner of our tent, and at about 4 o'clock in the 

•. . . 

morning it began to rain with great violence, and kept it up 

till 9 o'clock. We were on the move again at 8, but the roads 

grew so bad that we were till noon getting three miles. 

Shortly after noon we found it impossible to get the teams 
any further, and halted on a hill, about a mile north of Dum- 
fries. Having procured some fresh beef here, a good portion 
of the night was spent in cooking it; but some choice pieces 
were saved for broiling at any temporary halt we might make 
during the following days. 

On the 17th we started to return, as the roads were in such 



THE MARCH TO DUMFRIES. 201 

terrible condition that even if we could have got the teams 
through that we had with us, it would have been impossible 
for any to have followed with supplies. At noon Rich and 
myself had got some distance in advance of the Regiment, 
and, halting at an old rebel camp, we treated ourselves to some 
broiled beef and pork, the mention of which here makes me 
long to repeat that part of the day's experience. What, in the 
eating line, could be more delicious ! 

In the afternoon a heavy snow storm overtook us, which 
lasted about an hour; after which it grew very cold. That 
night it was impossible to sleep warm. It was manifest the 
next day, however, that the frost had beien greatly to our ad- 
vantage, for it so hardened the roads that we were able to get 
along much faster. That noon, as the troops and teams made 
but slow progress in fording the Occoquan, Rich and myself 
improved the time by repeating^ the experiment of the day be- 
fore, adding thereto a cup of coffee; and rendering judgment 
that on the whole it was an improvement on the previous 
feast. 

We halted for the night, on the 18th, about three miles 
south of Fairfax Station. It was an intensely cold night. We 
tried to have a good fire, but the wood with a " peculiar bark," 
which Merritt recommended very highly, did not give out 
much heat, and we found it most comfortable to get under our 
blankets. 

On Friday, the 19th, we marched towards Fairfax Station, 
and halted in a piece of woods, about one mile south of the 
railroad. At 5 in the afternoon, having pitched tents, and 
eaten a hearty supper, a good log fire was made in front of the 
tent, and, as the body was comfortable, our Mess was in excel- 
lent humor, and after passing the evening in commemorating 
the friendship of Lord Byron and Tom Moore, and singing 
the praises of Ellen Bayne, we lay down to a most comfortable 
repose. 



CAMP COMFORT. 



XIV. 

CAMP COMFORT. 

The camp at Fairfax was located on a ridge of land, covered 
with hard wood. It was, therefore, a dry and comfortable 
spot; and as the cold season was now on us, it was for some 
time convenient for fuel, but, before leaving, it became neces- 
sary to draw wood from a distance. 

Captain Redington received his commission as Lieutenant- 
Colonel* while we were at this place, and applying to Captain 
Hyde to name the camp, the latter fancied that the new com- 
mander was fishing for a compliment, and, not willing to gra- 
tify him, suggested that it would, in his opinion, be most ap- 
propriate to call it " Camp Retreat." This did not seem to 
answer the purpose, and so the place went without a name, 
excepting the headquarters of our Mess, which will always be 
remembered as having been appropriately called " Camp 
Comfort." 

On Christmas morning. General Geary, commanding the 
Second Division, issued, an order thf^t ''no unnecessary labor 
shall be performed, but that the day shall be spent in rational 



* The Lieutenant-Colonel owed his appointment, not to the 
wishes of the Regiment — for they were opposed to it — but to the 
personal application of a newly elected Member of Congress, who 
also came very near inducing the Governor to make the Major of 
the 28th New York our Colonel. This will only surprise those ' 
who know nothing of his treachery in the matter of the Lieute- ^ 
nant-Colonelcy. 



CAMP COMFORT. 203 

enjoyment, with tender memory and Christian hope for those 
who have fallen in battle, and with confident expectation that 
we niay be permitted to spend our next Christmas by the fire- 
sides we are now so gallantly defendino-/' 

The day passed off very pleasantly and very quietly for us. 
Redington, Dickinson, and Willson started at daylight to 
make a visit to the 142d New York, but missed the road, and 
.did not find the right course till it was too late for them to 
take it. Eeturning to camp, they arrived about midnight. 

Several of the 142d found our camp early in the morning, 
and spent the day with us. Captain Gale also came out from 
Alexandria, and we had a very happy day. 
. On the 27th, Darwin A. Hudson, one of our teamsters, and 
a member of Company "K," found a pocket-book, containing 
$43.50. There was no mark on it to indicate who the owner 
was, and, without making inquiry or posting a notice, no 
claimant would probably appear. Hudson was anxious that 
the owner should be found, if possible, and so put the money 
in my hands till a fair trial of the matter could be had. I 
determined on posting a notice at the Division Post Office, 
and, having written one, took it up for the Postmaster to 
place in a conspicuous place. He had lost his money, and, 
on describing the wallet and its contents, we were satisfied 
that we had his property, and delivered it to him. The 
honest finder was rewarded, most of all by the consciousness 
of having done his duty, and the reputation of the Regiment 
was raised by his fidelity. 

On the evening of the 27th, our Division went out on a 
reconnoissance, leaving a small force from each regiment to 
guard the camp. Not feeling well, I remained behind. The 
troops went out towards Dumfries, as far as the old rebel 
camp previously referred to, but saw no rebels in force, except 
a squad of cavalry, which rode up to within a short distance 
of General Slocum and staff, and, discharging their carbines, 
wheeled and fled. 



204 CAMP COMFORT. 

On the 28th, we had word that a rebel force was between 
ns and our advance, and preparations were made to destroy 
everything in case they should dash in upon us. We saw 
nothing of them; but they made an attack that night at 
Burke's Station, only four miles from us, where they c(^mmit- 
ted some depredations on the railroad, and ran off a small 
quantity of commissaries' and sutlers' stores. 

The next day, as a portion of our camp guard had beeil sent ; 
out on picket duty, under Lieutenant Dickinson, Rich con- ! 
eluded to exercise my horse, and gratify himself, by riding 
out to see them. The horse being in good spirits, took to 
leaping some of the ditches near one of the picket posts, and 
the guards were suspicious, from the way he jumped, that he 
must be a rebel beast, and why not a rebel spy that was on 
him ? On Rich's riding up to them, to inquire the where- 
abouts of Post No. 3, they arrested him, and, thinking they 
had a prize, brought him up to camp to Colonel Sudsbury, 
who was in command. A great crowd gathered round, and 
all who did not know Rich were quite confident that they had 
a real rebel before them. His being in citizen's dress greatly 
confirmed their suspicions, and it became necessary to send 
for me to get him out of the scrape. He was released on my 
appearing; "but," said the Dutch Colonel, ^Mem coat and 
dem pantaloons is very much suspicion I" 

On the 30th, the troops returned. They brought back with 
them a few wounded men, whom they found in the woods 
where the rebels had made a dash, and the dead body of a 
Lieutenant, who had been stripped of all his clothing by the 
rebels, and whose face was terribly disfigured by the hogs. 

On New Year's Day the men began in earnest to fix up 
winter quai-ters. Comfortable log-houses were built, the tents 
serving for roof; and fireplaces were so arranged as to econo- 
mize both fuel and heat. 

At this time I went home, on a short leave of absence, and 
while tnere, saw by an Albany paper that our late Major had 



I 



CAMP COMFORT. 205 

• 

been commissioned Colonel, Subsequently General Jackson 
sent over to the Lieutenant-Colonel a package from Albany, 
supposed to contain Colonel Godard's commission. I never 
saw the package, and do not know what became of it, but feel 
quite sure that the officer holding it did not notify Colonel 
Godard that it was in his possession ', but, some time after, and 
on the very wise suggestion of General JacSson, he reported 
that the Colonel of the Regiment was " absent without leave.'' 

On my return to camp the information contained in the 
Albany paper was soon circulated, and Captain Elliott came 
to me, saying, that the Line Officers had been in consultation, 
and had concluded to send the Colonel a protest against his 
accepting the appointment, and desired me to draw up the 
paper, which I did, but am not aware that it was ever circu- 
lated. 

On the 7th of January, Perry Stacy, of Company " H/' 
died at camp, of lung fever. His remains were sent to Clin- 
ton County. This was the last death that occurred in camp 
during my stay with the Regiment. 

On the 13th, we fixed up the headquarters of our Mess in 
comfortable style, building a chimney and fireplace, and 
making a floor of small pine logs for our sleeping tent. A 
grand house-warming, including all the festivities, celebrated 
the conclusion of the work in the evening, the Quartermaster 
furnishing the music for the occasion. 

Some time in the night we got orders to be in readiness to 
march at twelve hours' notice, with three days' cooked rations 
in haversacks, and eight days' rations in wagons. 

The President having promised me a transfer to one of the 
hospitals whenever I should desire it, several considerations 
induced me to make application at this time ; and having re- 
ceived the officers' signatures to the following, accompanied 
with a recommendation from General Greene, I forwarded it 
to Dr. Bliss, of Baltimore, who sent it, with his approval, to 
the Department at Washington : 
18 



206 CAMP COMFORT. 

** The Rev. Richard Eddy, an ordained Christian Minister, and 
the regularly appointed Chaplain of the Sixtieth Regiment N. Y. 
S. Vols., having faithfully and acceptably discharged the duties 
of his office since the organization of the Regiment, and now de- 
siring, on account of his family, to he appointed to the Chaplain- 
cy of the Continental Hotel Hospital, at Baltimore, Md., is hereby 
recommended as w^Jl qualified for the position.'' 

The Senate having failed to confirm several similar appoint- 
ments, the President was unwilling to make any new ones, and 
so nothing more came of my eflforts in that direction. 
, On the 17th, we were ordered to be in readiness to march 
at daylight the next morning. Dr. Gale having resigned on 
surgeon's certificate of disability, his discharge at headquar- 
ters dates from this day, although he did not receive it till 
several days after.* At midnight our marching orders were 
countermanded, and we busied ourselves the next day in put- 
ting up a shelter for our horses, and in otherwise preparing 
for a permanent stay. 

■* In a final settlement with a discharged officer, payment is 
made up to the time of his receiving his papers from the Regi- 
mental Adjutant, without reference to the date from General 
Headquarters. 



GETTING OUT OF SERVICE. 207 



XV. 

GETTING OUT OF SERVICE. 

On the 19tli of January, we received notice, early in the 
morning, that we were to march at noon ; but owing to delays 
in getting the baggage train started, we did not leave camp 
till nearly four in the afternoon. After marching about three 
miles we halted for the night, having a very comfortable 
bivouac in the woods. 

The next morning, at 8 o'clock, we were oiF again, and as 
the roads were in splendid condition, we got on to within a 
half mile of Dumfries, where we found a well wooded and 
sheltered place for our stay during the night. A severe north- 
east storm came upon us before morning, which so drew the 
frost from the ground that it was found almost impossible to 
start the wagons. The mud grew deeper at every step, and 
although men and beasts worked faithfully during the whole 
day, night found the rear of our train but half a mile beyond 
Dumfries. 

It became necessary for the mounted men and the teams to 
ford the Quantico, which had been considerably swollen by 
the continuous rain • and not a few got badly wet. I remem- 
ber that General Greene, having a short-legged horse, thought 
to keep dry by accepting the use of another, but accidentally 
hitting the beast with his spurs, as he raised his feet that they 
might clear the water, the horse made such haste to cross that 
he struck into the deepest places, and the General got an ex- 
traordinary dose of that which he had hoped to escape. 

That night, several of us stopped at the house of a Mr, 



208 GETTING OUT OF SERVICE. 

Dunnington, and made a ^^ Field bed" of his parlor floor. An 
ex-music teacher in our group put on a great many airs, and 1 
was sometimes silly and sometimes ridiculous in his preten- 
sions and bearing. Our host had for several years been Su- 
perintendent of the Capitol Grounds, at Washington, but, 
being in sympathy with what he called the " States Rights" 
party, had resigned, after the inauguration of President- 
Lincoln. 

The next day the storm continued, the mud deepened, and 
with the utmost exertion it was found impossible to get our 
teams on more than half a mile. I noticed, in several places, 
that it was all that eleven span of horses could do to draw the 
caissons belonging to the six-pound field pieces. Some of our 
party of the night before found shelter in another house at the 
close of this day, but others of us concluded that it would be 
more agreeable out-doors, and, having made a bed of about 
eight inches of boughs, we pitched our tent over it, and passed i 
a quiet and comfortable night. The men got a somewhat i 
sheltered place in the edge of the woods, and fared much \ 
better than the night before. 

Before morning the rain ceased. A little past daylight, we ! 
made another move, and, by night, had travelled four miles. 
AVe bivouacked that night in an orchard, just south of Cannon i 
river. Orders had been given, on starting that morning, to 
keep the teams going, and, if necessary, throw out and aban- ; 
don the loads. 

The next day, Saturday, 24th, we marched four miles far- 
ther, and reached camp, just south of Stafford Court House, 
the Headquarters of General Sigel, whose reserves we again 
were, about dark. We made camp on a pine ridge, which 
was neither a pleasant, convenient nor healthy spot. In the 
cold, wet weather which followed, it was found very difficult 
to obtain any fuel that would burn. Our mess fixed up quar- 
ters in a little glen below the ridge, and have very pleasant 
memories of the place as " Camp Evergreen." 



GETTING OUT OF SERVICE. 209 

Sta£ford Court Hoiise^ the shire town of Stafford County, is 
one of the ugliest-appearing places one could ask to see. Set- 
tled in 1660, it appears to have had no improvements for at 
least a century. The Court House is a tumble-down and filthy 
building, and the jail, which stands in the middle of the road, 
is a miserable two-story affair, built of rough stone. The 
lower story is occupied by hogs, and the upper is reached by 
stairs from the outside. With but one exception, the few 
surrounding dwellings are of somewhat similar appearance, 
and, like the soil, are worn out. 

On the 27th, Paymaster J. M. Austin brought money to the 
145th New York Volunteers in our Brigade ; an event which 
some of our men turned to advantage by disposing of their old 
watches and other trinkets. Aldous, the Adjutant's man, 
went somewhat extensively into the manufacture of patent 
maple molasses, the demand for which sometimes exceeded the 
supply. 

While we were at this place, we were visited with several 
quite severe snow storms, which made it very uncomfortable 
for the men, and kept the roads in almost impassable con- 
dition. Some of the time, it was impossible to keep a fire, 
and, as the accumulating snow set the tents to leaking, we had 
some cheerless days. In the midst of this dreary season, 1 
had quite an attack of dysentery, but, happily, it did not last 
much more than a week. Our Quartermaster was detailed 
for a short time to take charge of the Forage Department on 
Acquia Creek, and several of our teams were sent down to 
subsist there, thus saving the severe toil of drawing the forage 
over the muddy roads. 

On the 29th, Captains Hyde and Snyder, and Lieutenants 
Clark and Hurst, having tendered their resignations, were 
honorably discharged from the service. 

Major Bull, our Paymaster, came on the 30th, and during 
that and the following day, paid us the first money we had re- 
ceived since July. He was an acceptable visitor, as nearly 
18* 



210 GETTING OUT OP SERVICE. 

all were out of funds, and families at home were in need of 
help. The men at once put the principal part of their pay; 
in my hands, that I might, as on former occasions, forward it I 
to their families. Several changes in reference to the mode 
of procuring leave of absence were made about that time; 
and I sought, by complying with all, to attain the object 
somehow. Our wise commandant was not disposed to be very, 
accommodating in the matter, and returned one of my appli- 
cations, endorsed "frivolous." I persevered, however, and 
subsequently, by going directly to the General, received what 
I might have obtained at any time before, had I made my 
application direct. 

On the second day in February, we got a very acceptable 
change in the weather. The sun came out warm, the snow 
disappeared, and the ground began to dry ; but in a few days 
rains set in, and the roads became worse than ever. 

Captain J. M. Eansom, having resigned, was honorably 
discharged on the 2d. 

On the 6th, we got by far the worst storm of the season. 
For thirty-six hours, the snow, mingled with rain, poured 
down without interruption. We had little hard wood for fuel, 
and it was almost impossible to get anything but smoke from 
the wet pine. The men suffered very much in this storm, 
but bore all with remarkable patience and cheerfulness. 

On the 8th, we broke camp at noon, and started for Acquia 
Creek. Owing to the terrible condition of the roads, it was 
midnight before we came to a halt. Bivouacking in the woods 
for the night, we selected a permanent camp in the morning, 
and the men, having an intimation that they were to stay 
there some time, went to work to build log huts. An old oak, 
some five feet or more in diameter, located at a convenient 
distance from Kegimental Headquarters, was selected by our 
mess as indicating the place where we should pitch our tent. 
It will never be forgotton as proving a happy home to us. 
We all desired a picture of the pleasant spot, but have none 



GETTING OUT OP SERVICE. 211 

save that which memory produces. In that, the venerable 
tree stands out prominent, and our sheltered kitchen and 
dining-room is not far nor dim in the back-ground. 

On the way to Acquia, we passed through an old estate, on 
which was a much-defaced grave-stone, bearing the following 
inscription : 

" Here is interred the body of Margaret, the wife of Peter 
Hedgeman, of Stafford Co., gentleman, and daughter of John 
Mauzy, gentleman, deceased. She was married the 21st day of 
September, A. D. 1721, and had by him nine children, of which 
three sons, only, survived her. As she was a woman of great 
virtue and goodness, she lived beloved, and died much lamented 
(by all who had the happiness of her acquaintance) on the 10th 
day of January, A. D. 1754, in the 52d year of her age. Conjux 
Dolenea.'^ 

Captain William Montgomery, having tendered his resigna- 
tion just previous to our leaving Stafford, was notified, on the 
10th, that it had been accepted, and he left for home. 

We had hardly got fixed in our new quarters before another 
. snow storm came upon us, and for awhile seriously interfered 
with the efforts of the men to provide themselves with com- 
fortable shelter. As soon as the storm was over it was very 
obvious what we had been brought to the place for. The 
engineers laid out a line of forts, and the men, provided with 
picks, spades and axes, went to work, with a hearty will, to 
fortify and strengthen their situation. 

I obtained leave of absence from General Slocum, for five 
days, from the 11th, and went to Baltimore with $6,780, to 
send North for the families represented in our regiment. 

Keturning on the 16th, I met Lieutenant N. M. Dickinson, 
on his way home, having been honorably discharged on the 14th. 

I tendered my resignation immediately on reaching camp, 
being induced to do so by several considerations, but chiefly 
on account of ill health and anxiety of my mother. It was 



212 GETTING OUT OF SERVICE. 

accepted on the ITtli. The next evening, although it waa 
storming severely, I made a brief speech to Company " A," 
urging them to do justice in a matter between the Adjutant 
and themselves, who, some months before, had, at their .solici- 
tation, taken charge of some funds donated to the company by 
the citizens of Canton, and had, shortly after, lost them. A 
petition had been circulated, asking the return of the funds. 
I endeavored to induce its recall. Subsequently, when the 
money was tendered, I am informed — and was rejoiced at the 
intelligence — that the company refused to take it. 

At noon on the 19th, I took the steamer Portsmouth for 
AYashington, and at noon, on the 20th, was mustered out of 
the military service of the United States. 

For the benefit of such as suppose the Chaplaincy a lucra- 
tive position, I will state that my receipts, while in the army, 
were less, by about $300, than my expenses. These figures 
may seem a little surprising to such as have not had any ex- 
perience in supporting two families at once ; but those who, 
like myself, have been compelled to pay whatever price was 
demanded for a meal of victuals in a private house in a coun- 
try full of troops, or an exorbitant rate for anything obtained 
of the sutlers, on whom officers must not unfrequently depend 
for everything necessary to sustain life, will not be unprepared 
to believe my statement that often it cost me as much per week 
for my own support, as it did to provide everything necessary 
for my family of six persons at home. 

Had I been disposed to sponge from the public stores, as 
not a few of the officers do, by appropriating to their own use 
a portion of the rations drawn for the men, or had I turned 
away from the purchase of luxuries for the sick, on account 
of the exorbitant price demanded,* I might have made my 

* On three occasions I paid 50 cents apiece for lemons. The 
ordinary price in the field was 25 cents. For our sufiering, 
fevered men, they were worth their weight in gold. 



GETTING OUT OF SERVICE. 213 

position of pecuniary advantage to me ; but the more frequently 
I review the past, the greater is my satisfaction with the 
course pursued, and the greater my contentment with the 
result. 

I trust I shall not be deemed wholly an egotist for saying 
thatj although many, both officers and men, were prejudiced 
against me when I entered the regiment, their aversions all 
passed away long before I resigned, and that regrets for my 
departure, and sincere good wishes for my future, were shared 
by all my comrades when I bade them Farewell. 

I venture to insert here a document which I received a 
short time after leaving the 60th, and which was based on my 
reputation in that regiment. 

Camp Hopkins, 106th Keg., N. Y. Vols., 
North Mountain, Va., April 4th, 1863. 
Rev. Richard Eddy. 

Dear Sir : — We the undersigned officers of the 106th N. Y. 
Vols., do hereby cordially and unanimously tender to you the 
vacant chaplaincy of this regiment, with the earnest request that 
you will accept it. Feeling, as we do, the necessity of filling so 
responsible a post with a minister whose experience and tastes 
qualify him for it, we make you this ofier with entire confidence 
in your ability, character and piety, and in your every qualifica- 
tion to make our soldiers Christians,^ and adorn our camp life 
with the beauties of holiness. More than this, we want a " fight- 
ing chaplain," one who fears not to do his duty in the hour of 
danger, and who believes that the Enfield rifle is an instrument 
in God's hands to work out divine ends. "With the hope that 
you will not disappoint us, we respectfully and earnestly request 
your acceptance of the position. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servants, 

Edward C. James, Colonel; Fred. E. Embick, Lieut.-Colonel ; 
Chas. Townsend, Major ; Calvin Skinner, Surgeon ; Frederick 
H. Petit, 1st Asst.-Surgeon ; Henry H. Carpenter, 2d Asst.-Sur- 
geon ; Henry W. Clark, Adjutant ; Thos. C. Atcheson, Quarter- 
master; Samuel Parker, Capt. Co. "E;'' Alvah W. Briggs, 



214 GETTING OUT OF SERt'ICE. 

Capt. Co. "D;" A. N. McDonald, Capt. Co. " E ;" M.J. Cham- 
berlain, Capt. Co. " F ;'' J. B. McBroom, Capt. Co. " K ;'' Peteil 
Robertson, Capt. Co. " C ;" James S. Peach, Capt. Co."I ;" Edwardj 
A. Paine, Capt. Co. "G;" Eugene Wilbur, Capt. Co. "hH 
Hiram W. Day, Capt. Co. " A ;" Selden C. Judson, 1st LieutJ 
Co. " I ;" Alfred J. Hooker, 1st Lieut. Co. "A;" Joseph C. Rob-i 
inson, 1st Lieut. Co. " C ;" H. L. Aldrich, 1st Lieut. Co. " H 
F. H. Boynton, 1st Lieut. Co. "F;'' Charles C. Jones, 1st Lieut.: 
Co. " G ;" Charles S. Glass, 1st Lieut. Co. '* B ;" Samuel A. 
Barnes, 1st Lieut. Co. *' E ;" Gilbert W. Hathaway, 1st Lieut. 
Co. "D ;" Daniel Peck, 1st Lieut. Co. " K ;" Miron W. Levings, 
2d Lieut. Co. " G ;" Lorenzo H. Chandler, 2d Lieut. Co. " H ;" 
E. W. Shepard, 2d Lieut. Co. "I;" Robert Roddel, 2d Lieut. 
Co. "B;" Charles Snyder, 2d Lieut. Co. "C;'' Horace Pickit, 
2d Lieut. Co. " K;" Wm. A. Merry, 2d Lieut. Co. " A ;" Thomas 
Shaw, 2d Lieut. Co. " D." 

In speaking, as above, of the exorbitant prices charged by 
the Sutlers, I would not be understood as casting any reflec- 
tions on Mr. Tilley. I always found him disposed to do what 
was right; but there was a considerable portion of the time 
when he found it impossible to be with us, and we were att 
the mercy of whoever was within our reach. As would natu- 
rally be expected, those whose only aim was to make as much 
money as possible, took advantage whenever they could. 
Their risks and expenses were great, and perhaps they did as 
well as they thought they could afford to. 



STATISTICAL. 215 



XYI. 

STATISTICAL. 

Having had occasion to write to Dr. Gale while arranging 
the preceding pages, I requested his opinion of the cause of the 
fever which so decimated our ranks in July and August, 
1862, and he has sent me the followinoj : 

^* My theory, based on my observation and experience, as 
well as on the observation and experience of medical officers 
who inspected and examined our sick from time to time, is, 
that the cause of the fever that spread to such an extent in 
our regiment last summer was acclimation. We were in- 
clined to think, at first, that the cause was from hard march- 
ing, sleeping without cover, and a poor diet ; but when the 
four companies rejoined us at Little Washington, Ya., and 
having done no marching, of consequence, but quartered in 
comfortable barracks, had been having a good diet, became in 
ten days equally sick with the six companies which were suffer- 
ing with the fever when the others joined us, the cause was then 
attributed to acclimation." 

In confirmation of this opinion I would refer the reader to 
what I have quoted from the Sanitary Commission Keport, 
in Chapter VI. 

RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 

The following religious services were performed by me in 
the regiment : 



216 STATISTICAL. 

1861. 
Sept. 22. Camp Wheeler, N. Y. Introductory Discourse, Ist 
Cor. xvi. 13. 

" 26. Fast Day Discourse, Micah vi. 8. 

" 29. Discourse on Necessity of Religion, Psalm xxvi. 4. 
Oct. 6. " Retribution, Matt. vi. 16. 

" 13. " Worth of Religion, Psalm xciv. 19. 

"20. " Christianity in Solitude, with special re- 

ference to its place and power in the homes we 
were about to leave. Matt, xviii. 20. 

" 27. Discourse on The Care of the Body, Romans, xii. 1. 
Nov. 17. Camp Morgan, Md. Dis. on True Peace, John xiv. 27. 

" 17. Camp Jackson, Md. Discourse on Joy Dependent on 
Christian Character, John xv. 11. 

" 19. Camp Morgan, Md. Discourse at Funeral of H. W. 
Powers, 2d Cor. v. 1-8. 

" 24. Camp Rathbone, Md. Discourse on Desirable Trea- 
sures, Matt. vi. 21. 

** 24. Headquarters of Co. "A." Discourse on True Peace, 
John xiv. 27. 
Dec. 1. Camp Rathbone, Md. Discourse on Reciprocal Du- 
ties, Romans xiv. 7. 

" 1. Headquarters Co. ** A." Discourse on Preventive of 
Sin, Psalm cxix. 11. 

" 1. Headquarters Co. " F.^' Discourse on The True Light, 
John xii. 46. 

" 8. Camp Rathbone. Dis. on Deceitful Words, Eph. v. 6. 

" 15. " " " Worth of Man, Ps. viii. 4. 

'• 15. Headquarters Co. "E.'' Discourse on Praise for Ex- 
istence, Psalm cxxxix. 14. 

** 18. Regimental Hospital. Discourse at Funeral of Aaron 
Geer, John xiv. 1-18. 

** 19. Discourse at Funeral of James Cavanagh, Ps. xc. " 

<' 20. " '* Sam'l P. Melvin and Mor- 

timore Stevens, Job xiv. 1-14. 

" 22. Camp Rathbone. Discourse on Mercy alone Satisfy- 
ing, Psalm xc. 14. 

" 22. Headquarters Co. " D." Discourse on Mercy our Sup- 
port, Psalm xciv. 18. 



STATISTICAL. 21i 



29. Camp Rathbone. Discourse on The Closing Year, 
Psalm xc. 12. 

;2. 

1. Regimental Hospital. Discourse at Funeral of H. C. 

Meacham, 2d Cor. iv. 14-18. 

2. Dis. at Funeral of Lewis Duprey, 1st Cor. xv. 20-28. 

5. Camp Rathbone. Dis. on Manhood, 1st Kings ii. 2. 
10. Headquarters Co. " H." Discourse at Funeral of E. 

H. Porter, Psalm xc. 

12. Camp Rathbone. Discourse on Seductions of Sin, 
Prov. vii. 26. 

12. Headquarters Co. **E." Discourse on Power of Prayer, 
Luke ix. 29. 

19. Headquarters Co. " E. Dis. on Mutual Help, Gal. vi. 2. 

26. Camp Preston King. Discourse on Duty Easily Dis- 
covered, Deut. XXX. 14. 

26. Camp Elliott. Dis. on True Rest, Psalm cxvi. 7. 

29. Regimental Hospital. Discourse at Funeral of 0. E. 

Dunton, 1st Cor. xv. 35-49. 
2. Camp Preston King. Discourse on Object of Revela- 
tion, 1st Tim. i. 15. 

6. Discourse at Funeral of E. Mason, Job xiv. 1-14. 

9. " on Christianity Inexhaustible, 1st Cor. ii. 9. 

9. Camp Robinson. Discourse on Harm of Obscenity, 

Profanity, Drunkenness and Gambling, Acts xvi. 28. 
16. Camp Preston King. Discourse on Temptation, 

James i. 18-15. 
2. Discourse on Human Perfection, Psalm xxxvii. 37. 
9. Mrs. Waltemeyer's. Discourse at Funeral of Lieut. 

Eastman, 2d Cor. v. 1-8. 
23. Camp Miles. Discourse on Comfort of Belief in 

Christ. John xiv. 1. 

30. Discourse on Rejoicing that we are Subject to the 

Divine Law, Psalm cxix. 54. 
I 6. Discourse on Necessity of Watchfulness and Prayer, 
Mark xiv. 38. 
6. Regimental Hospital. Discourse on Christ the True 

and Living Way, John xiv. 6. 
19 



218 STATISTICAL. 

1862. 
April 13. Camp Miles. Thanksgiving for Victories, 2d Samuel 
X. 12. 

" 13. Regimental Hospital. Exposition of Psalm Ixvii. 

*' 20. Camp Miles. Discourse on Easter, Col. iii. 1. 

" 20. Regimental Hospital. Exposition of Matt, xxviii. 

" 25. Camp Michigan. Discourse at Funeral of W. Smith, 
1st Cor. XV. 51-57. 

" 27. Camp Miles. Discourse on God's Love Unchanging, 
Romans viii. 38, 39. 

** 27. Regimental Hospital. Exposition of Ecc. xii. 
May 4. Camp Miles. Discourse on Danger of Harming Our- 
selves, Acts xvi. 28. 

" 4. Regimental Hospital. Exposition of Matt. v. 1-16. 

*' 11. Camp Miles. Discourse on Safety of the Obedient, 
Psalm cxix. 92. 

** 11. Regimental Hospital. Exposition of Psalm xxvii. 

*' 18. Camp Miles. Discourse on the Goodness of God a 
Reason for Eifort and for Praise, Psalm liv. 6. 

** 18. Regimental Hospital. Exposition of Prov. iii. 13-18. 

" 25. Camp Miles. Discourse on The End of National 
Troubles, Jer. xlviii. 11-13. 
June 8. City Hall Yard, Winchester, Yd. Discourse on Trust 
in God. Psalm xxxiv. 

" 15. Camp Sigel. Dis. on God with the Right, Ps. xxv. 

** 22. Camp Tait. Discourse on God our Helper, Ps. xxi. 

" 30. Camp Goodrich. Discourse at Funeral of S. R. C. 
Thompson, 2d Cor. iv. 5-18. 
July 13. Near Warrenton, Va. Discourse at Funeral of Abra- 
ham Wells, Psalm xc. 

" 23. Brigade Burial Ground, Washington C. H., Virginia. 
Dis. at Funeral of A. Bromaghim, John xiv. 1-14. 

" 27. " " J. Brayton and V. Merrihue, 1st 

Cor. XV. 35-49. 

" 28. " " Lieut. White, Psalm xxiii. 

« 29. " " C. P. Chaffee, Psalm xc. 

** 29. Village Burial Ground, Washington C. H., Virginia. 
Dis. at Funeral of A. Smithers, 1st Cor. xv. 20-28. 

" 30. " " L. Beyette, Job xiv. 1-14. 



STATISTICAL. 219 

1862. 

30. Brigade Burial Ground, Washington C. H., Virginia. 
Dis. at Funeral of L. C. Harrington, 2d Cor. iv. 

3. " " J. Harmer and G. Annis, 1st 
Cor. XV. 51-57. 

4. " " Lieuts. Clark and Hogan, and 
E. G. McKee„ Job xiv. 1-14; 
xvii. 13-16. John xiv. 16-19. 
Rev. xxi. 3-5. 

5. " " J.HandleyandE.Finley, Psalm 
xxvii. 

6. " " F. Miller, 2d Cor. v. 
17. Warrenton Springs, Va., Discourse at Funeral of S. 

Blaisdell, 1st Peter i. 
Dis. at Funeral of E. L. Wright, 1st Cor. xv. 35-49. 
Sandy Hook, Md. Sermon to Brigade, 1st Peter iv. 11. 
Loudon Heights, Va. Exposition of Psalm cxlv. 
Oct. 5. Discourse on Motives to Trust in God, Psalm cxlvi. 
" 19. " Power of Prayer, Luke ix. 29. 

" 25. Harper's Ferry, Va. Discourse at Funeral of A. Wal- 
rath, 2d Cor. v. 
JSI'ov. 9. Dis. on Foundation of Religious Hope, Ps. xlii. 11. 
" 16. " Against Presumption, 1st Cor. x. 12. 

" 23. *' Right Affections, Prov. iv. 23. 

Dec. 14. Near Occoquan River, Va. Comment on Luke xxiv. 
13-53. 
** 21. Camp near Fairfax Station, Va. Discourse on Love 

Greater than All Else, 1st Cor. xiii. 13. 
1863. 
Jan, 11. Discourse on Reward and Punishment, Prov. xiv. 14. 
" 18. " God our Help, Psalm cxxx. 1. 

" 25. Camp near Stafford C. H., Va. Discourse on Walking 
by Faith, 2d Cor. v. 7. 
Supplication for Divine Guidance, Psalm cxliii. 8. 
Exposition of Matthew vii. 



220 STATISTICAL. 



BURIAL GROUNDS 



The village of "Washington Court House, Rappahannock 
County, Va., is located on the Rush River, which, about half 
a mile south of the village, changes its course from north to 
northwest. Near this point, and on the east bank of the 
stream, is a stone building, called Jelt's Mill. Ascending the 
hill on the west side of the stream, and on a line with the 
mill, we come to two parallel rows of graves; the heads of 
which, in both rows, are to the north. The north row con- 
tained, when we left, nineteen graves, and the south row four 
graves. Possibly there have been some additions since then, 
as both our own and the rebel troops have frequently camped 
near the place. I think the following description will enable 
a visitor to find any of our dead, whether others have been , 
added or not. I 

There are several locust trees growing on the hill, but only 
one of them stands on a line with the north row of graves. 
Immediately at the foot of this tree, lies the body of Alexan- 
der Bromaghim, of Company " D.'* On his left is the body 
of Valentine Merihue, of Company " D," and on his left the 
body of Job Brayton, of Company " E." This completed the 
extent of the row to the east, at the time we left the place. 
To the right or west of Bromaghim's grave, lies, first, an 
unknown Massachusetts man, buried by the 78th New York ; 
second, Lieut. L. E. White ; third, C. P. Chaffee, of Co. '' I f 
fourth, Cor. L. C. Harrington, of Co. " K f fifth, John Har- 
mer, of Co. " D ;" sixth, M. McGowan, of 78th New York ; 
seventh, Geo. Annis, of Co. "D/' eighth, E. G. McKee, of 
Co. " A ;" ninth, Geo. H. Long, of 1st Dist. Columbia Vols.; 
tenth, Hamilton Marshall, of 1st Dist. Col. Vols.; eleventh, 
John Buzhard, of 78th N. Y.; twelfth, Lieui Guy Hogan; 
thirteenth, Lieut. B. R. Clark ; fourteenth, Edward Finley, 
of Co. " A ;" fifteenth, James Handley, of Co. " E f and 



STATISTICAL. 221 

sixteenth^ George Campbell^ of 1st Dist. Col. Vols. This 
completed the extent of the row to the west. Lieuts. Hogan 
and Clark were buried in one grave, the coffins touching as 
they lay side by side. So also were Finley and Handley 
buried. With these exceptions, the graves are single, and are 
about eighteen inches apart. 

The first grave at the east end of the south row, lies as near 
as possible against a locust tree, the only tree of that kind 
very near that row. It contains the body of Elisha Parker, 
of the Purnell Legion ; the first, to the west of it, the body 
of Denard Sterling, of the Purnell Legion ; second, Frederick 
Miller, of Co. " H ;" third, Drum-Major W. P. Ellis. 

The spot selected for a burial-ground, while we were at 
"Warrenton Springs, was on the hill-side, about a quarter of a 
mile west of the spring-house, in the southern edge of a grove 
of small pines. We cleared a space of 12 by 20 feet, and the 
graves, seven in number, are all in one row, the heads being 
to the west. The first, or most southerly grave, is that of 
Ephraim L. Wright, of Co. "Gr';" the second, of Sanford 
Blaisdell, Principal Musician ; the third, of George K. Ries, 
member of the Band -, the fourth, of George W. Daggett, of 
Co. " I ;" the fifth, of John Cardinell, of Co. '' D ;" the sixth, 
of Levi J. Barton, of Co. " E -/' the seventh, of an unknown 
Massachusetts volunteer. The Band put up a very neat 
headboard, at the grave of Ries, but we were obhged to leave 
so hurriedly that no opportunity was given us to designate 
any of the others in the same manner. 

LIST OP DEATHS NOT MENTIONED ELSEWHERE IN THIS 
BOOK. 

March 15, 1862. Hiram W. Buttles, Drummer of Co 
" C," died of consumption, at his home in Brandon, Vt. 

April. Stephen Barlow, a new recruit, not assigned to any 
company, died in Albany, N. Y. 
• 19* 



222 STATISTICAL. 

July 25. Sylvanus Heath, Private, of Co. " F,^' died of | 
typhus fever, at St. Paul's Church Hospital, Alexandria, Va. 

July 26. George Rush, Private, of Co. "K," died at 
camp formerly occupied by us near Relay House, Md., of 
consumption. 

Aug. 7. Lyman P. Curtis, Private, of Co. " I," died at 
Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md., of consumption. 

Aug. 24. Timothy McCarthy, Private, of Co. " I," died 
at General Hospital, Frederick, Md., of typhus fever. 

Sept. 1. Thomas McCabe, Private, of Co. " G," died in 
Hospital at Washington, D. C, of typhus fever. 

Sept. 2. David Morrison, Private, of Co. " C," died at 
Mount Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D. C, of typhus fever. 

Sept. 22. Joseph Shampine, Private, of Co. " I/' died in 
Hospital at Portsmouth Grove, R. I., of typhus fever. , 

Oct. 12. De Elbert Rounds, Drummer, of Co. " B," died 
at Hospital on David's Island, N. Y., of typhus fever. 

Oct. 15. Eugene E. Bolton, Corporal, of Co. " B," died at 
Casparis House Hospital,Washington, D. C. Disease unknown. 

Nov. 16. William Bruce, Private, of Co. " H," died at 
Grace Church Hospital, Alexandria, Va. Disease unknown. 

Dec. 19. George Lake, Private, of Co. " B/' died at Gen- 
eral Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. , of dropsy. 

Dec. 23. John Lawton, Private, of Co. "D," died at Gen- 
eral Hospital, Harper's Ferry, Ya., of diarrhoea. 

Dec. 30. James Robinson, Private, of Co. " F," died at 
General Hospital, Harper's Ferry, Va., of diarrhoea. 

Jan. 3, 1863. Oliver P. Brill, Private, of Co. «D," died 
at Columbian Hospital, Washington, D. C, of typhus fever. 

Jan. 4. Richard Taylor, Private, of Co. " D,'' died at Gen- 
eral Hospital, Harper's Ferry, Va., of diarrhoea. 

Jan. 20. Joseph Ladeau, Private, of Co. " K,'' died in 
Hospital at Washington, D. C, of typhus fever. 

Feb. 11. Linden Bissell, Private, of Co. " A," died at 
Campbell Hospital, Washington, D. C, of pneumonia. 





STATISTICAL. 


223 




DESERTIONS. 






Company ''A." 




Name, 


Deserted from. 


Date. 


Andrew Carson, 


Camp Wheeler, N.Y., 


1861, Sept. 29. 


Thomas Shannahan, 


a u 


'' 28. 


W. S. Carpenter, 


Deep Cut, Md., 


Nov. 29. 


Albert Davenport, 


Camp Miles, Md., 


1862, May 5. 


J. C. Preston, 


Sulphur Springs, Va., 


Aug. 13. 


Henry Stone, 


u U 


'< 13. 


W. N. Tiiley, 


Fairfax Station, " " 
Company "5." 


1863, Feb. 3. 


John Farden, 


Camp Miles, Md., 


1862, April 18. 


W. Sterling, 


a a 


May 25. 


C. Sayer, 


Baltimore, Md., 


July 6. 


Chas. Oliver, 


a u 


" 6. 


A. Finley, 


{( (C 


'' 6. 


J. H. Cuningham, 


Washington, D. C, 


Sept. 24. 


Joseph Olds, 


Knoxville, Md., 
Company " C." 


Nov. 18. 


Harvey McWilliams 


Camp Wheeler, N. Y. 


1861, Oct. 20. 


Wm. Churchill, 


(C (C 


« 21. 


G. Watson, 


CI IC 


" 30. 


Edward Wilson, 


u u 


« 31. 


George Petrie, 


Camp Miles, Md., 


1862, May 29. 


Joseph Petrie, 


iC iC 


" 29. 


W. Rock, 


Sulphur Springs, Ya., 


Aug. 17. 


J. White, 


Middletown, Ya., 


Sept. 14. 


Keller Dygert, 


Antietam, Md., 


<^ 17. 


T. J. Duignan, 


Baltimore, Md., 


Nov. 19. 


Geo. Clink, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


Dec. 11. 



224 


STATISTICAL. 
Company '' JD." 






Name. 


Deserted from. 




Date. 


Geo. Carpenter, 


Camp Miles, Md. 


1862, 


April 20. 


J. McAllaster, 


Washington C. H., Va., 




July 30. 


Jas. Cole, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya.,' 




Dec. 10. 


W. W. Dawson. 


U (( 




" 10. 


Philo Scott, 


Compamj *' K" 




" 10. 


Peter Mortimer, 


Camp Preston King, Md. 


1862, May 14. 


Page M. Evans, 


a u a 




June 16. 


Lorenzo Butterfield, 


a <c <( 




" 16. 


A. Hoyt, 


Camp Goodrich, Ya., 




July 1. 


Henry A. Page, 


Sulphur Springs, Ya., 




Aug. 11. 


Antoine Chenevert, 


u u 




" 12. 


John Place, 


(( a 




" 12. 


Oliver Cliase, 


Loudon Heights, Ya., 




Oct. 24. 


Geo. Cheeney, 


a u 




" 24. 


H. Sabins, 


({ u 




" 24. 


W. C. Skeels, 


a u 
Coinpany *' F:* 




" 24. 


Harrison Flack, 


Camp Wheeler, N. Y., 


1861 


, Oct. 26. 


Francis Reilley, 


En Route to Washington 


/D.C 


., Nov. 1. 


J. Flannigan, 


Camp Goodrich, Ya., 


1862, July 5. 


H. Flannigan, 


u a 




" 5. 


J. Kennedy, 


Washington C. H., Ya., 




" 11. 


A. Durham, 


a a 




" 11. 


Jno. Flannigan, 


Rockville, Md., 




Sept. 10. 


Wm. Gordon, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 




Dec. 15. 


Wm. Cleland, 


Annapolis Md., 


1863, Jan. 2. 


Henry Heath, 


a u 




" 2. 



STATISTICAL. 



225 



Name. 

Horace Hickey, 
Jas. T. Merrys, 
Gardener How, 
J. Barnard, 
C. Burzee, 
K. McNamara, 

Jno. H. Ingram, 
W. H. Finch, 
David Lavanway, 
W. La Fountain, 
M. Dencore, 

A. Lablue, 
C. Oriel, 

B. Trusdell, 

Geo. Wilbur, 
Edwin Eldridge, 
Wm. Morgan, 
N. P. Chase, 
W. Knowlton, 
M. Quagin, 
Richard Pettis, 
Myron Ward, 

Jared Austin, 

Oren White, 

F. Duffy, 

F. S. Page, 

F. Catura, 

I. Currier, 

Jno. 0. Sullivan, 



Company " G." 

Deserted from. Date. 

Annapolis Junction, Md., 1862, May 24. 

(( u ii 29. 

(C u a 29. 

Washington C. H., Ya., July 29. 

u a a 29. 

Frederick, Md., Sept. 10. 

Co7npany *' HJ^ 

Camp Miles, Md., 1862, April 18. 

a a u 18. 

a a u 24. 

Oct. 24. 



Loudon Heights, Va., 



Company " V* 

Baltimore, Md., 
u a 

Washington, D. C, 
Pleasant Valley, Md., 



24. 
24. 
24. 
24. 



1862, April 22. 

May 24. 

Aug. 12. 

Sept. 2. 

'^ 2. 

" 2. 



Bellow's Island Hospital, N.Y., Nov. 20. 
Camp Chase, Ohio, 1863, Feb. 2. 

Company " KJ' 
Annapolis Junction, Md., 1862, May 12. 



Smithfield, Va., 
• Antietam Md., 
Loudon Heights, Va., 
Washington, D. C, 



June 5. 
Sept. 17. 
Nov. 22. 

" 30. 

" 30. 
Dec. 20. 



STATISTICAL. 

These names were obtained by me from tlie Muster Rolls, 
sent by the Regimental Adjutant to the Adjutant-General's 
OfficCj in Washington. I am informed that some of the men 
have returned to duty, and possibly the list may now be im- 
perfect from other causes ; but as it is not possible for me to 
know the facts in each individual case, I must assume that 
the record was correct at the time I had access to the R^lls. 
That it was true then, no one, I think, can deny ; but if in 
error at that time, I will cheerfully, on proof, make all ne- 
cessary corrections, should another edition of this book be 
called for. 



DISHONORABLY DISCHARGED. 
Company " D." • 

Name. Discharged from. Date. 

Nicholas Hoffman, Camp Preston King, Md., 1862, Feb. 26. 

Company ^^JE." 
William Morehead, Camp Preston King, Md., " 26. 

Company '' K." 
Washington Liskum, Camp Preston King, Md., " 26. 



HONORABLY DISCHARGED. 

JBand."^ 

M. M. Follett, Camp Rathbone, Md., 1861, Dec. 11. 

Company "AJ' 

S. W. Smith, Camp Miles, 1862, May 26- 

W. N. Ohn, York, Pa. Sept. 27. 

, W. M. Brooks, Fort McHenry, Md., Oct. 17. ^ 

J. T. Daily, Harper's Ferry, Ya., " 23. 



* The surviving members of the Band were honorably dis- 
charged in September, 1862, by Act of Congress of July, 1862. 





STATISTICAL. 


227 


Name. 


Discharged from. 


Date. 


J. McMonegal, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


Oct. 24. 


Lewis McCuen, 


Fort McHenry, Md., 


Nov. 3. 


C. C. Abel, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


" 21. 


"W. 0. Taplin, 


a u 


" 21. 


C. C. F. Chamberlair 


I, Philadelphia, Pa., 


ii 24. 


Henry E. Byrom, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


Dec. 4 


Stephen Aldous, 


Baltimore, Md., 


'^ 9. 


Abram Fisk, 


Washington, D. C, 


'' 20. 


John S. Worden, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


" 24. 


Michael White, 


Baltimore, Md., 


1863, Jan. 10. 


Henry F. Tanner, 


Fairfax Station, Va., 


" 13. 


Peter Bruseau, 


Alexandria, Va., 


Feb. 9. 


Ira B. Whitford, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 
Compamj " B." 


" 12. 


James C. Raven, 


Baltimore, Md., 


1862, March 13. 


Wilbur Sterling, 


Camp Miles, 


May 25. 


D. Peters, 


iC u 


'' 26. 


J. F. Daniels, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


Sept. 19. 


S. Daily, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


Oct. 21. 


C. Sisson, 


a a 


" 24. 


P. Valley, 


u a 


" 24. 


M. Ft. Delong, 


Washington, D. C, 


" 25. 


J. Wright, 


a 


" 25. 


N. Charter, 


a 


" 28. 


J. Aylward, 


cc 


Nov. 24. 


Noel M. Conger, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


1863, Jan. 17. 


John Sherwin, 


Fairfax Station, Va., 


" 19. 


Jacob M. Roberts, 


C( li 


" 19. 


Alfred Corbett, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 
Company *'C." 


Feb. 4. 


Elisha Nettleton, 


Camp Wheeler, N. Y. 


, 1861, Oct. 25. 


Joseph Pickert, 


Baltimore, Md., 


1862, Feb. 28. 


J. Willis, 


Camp Miles, Md., 


May 29. 



228 


STATISTICAL. 




I 

Name. 


Discharged from. 


Date. 


Jos. Laiser, 


Camp Miles, Md., 


May 29. 1 


Michael St. James, 


a a 


« 29. 


C. J. Harder, 


Washington, D. C, 


Sept. 2. 


N. Gates, 


li 


« 2. 


0. Schuyler, ^ 


u 


« 2. 


C. Clark, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


Oct. 18. 


John F. Robinson, 


Baltimore, Md., 


Nov. 5. 


Thos. Phillips, 


York, Pa., 


" 18. 


J. Glazier, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


" 19. 


C. O'Neil, 


a u 


" 19. 


B. Austin, 


ti u 


" 19. 


D. Brien, 


Baltimore, Md., 


« 21. 


B. F. Warner, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


" 24. 


Martin D. Collins, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


" 29. 


Walter E. Collins, 


it 


« 29. 


Chauncey Neil, 


York, Pa., 


Dec. 5. 


James Yerden, 


u 


- 15. 


James Lewis, 


Portsmouth Grove, R. 


L, « 23. 


Fred. M. Fitch, 


u n 


" 2a. 


Solomon H. Yerden, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


1863, Jan. 5. 


Harrison Mitchell, 


a 


" 10. 


Marcus Petrie, 


Baltimore, Md., 


« 17. 


George W. Hill, 


Fairfax Station, Ya., 


« 18. 


Norman Hyde, 


Providence, R. I., 


" 20. 


Francis C. Lewis, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


" 22, 


Lewis J. Knox, 


Baltimore, Md., 


" 30. 


S. J. Lamphear, 


a 


« 30. 


Chas. Brewster, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 
Company ''D." 


Feb. 19. 


Albert West, 


Baltimore, Md. 


1862, Jan. ll.\ 


S. C. F. Norman, 


a 


May m 


Gordon Manchester, 


ii 


« 15. 


Ezra Ferguson, 


Camp Miles, Md., 


« 25. 


G. S. Lawson, 


IC (C 


« 26. 



STATISTICAL. 



229 



Name. 

J. K. Gray, 
C. Noble, 
1). B. Wetherell, 
Constant Wells, 
S. J. Titus, 
M. Lawrence, 
Luke Gleason, 
Thos. Ivers, 
Isaac Cramer, 
Noah Carpenter, 
Asa G. Morgan, 
George Safford, 

L. Fellows, 

B. Wolohon, 

James Herichy, 

H. F. Canfield, 

L. E. Benware, 
, Thos. Mulholland, 

H. J. Hathaway, 

J. N. Ferris, 

E. A. Thompson, 

B. Hinnman, 

0. Prarie, 

H. Place, 

M. Maher, 

Oliver Curtis, 
, L. Greno, 

J. Biley, 

P. Maher, 

E. Faro, 

P. M. Evans,' . 

M. Dailey, 

Allen Briggs, 
20 



Discharged from. 

Philadelphia, Pa., 

Fort Wood, N. Y., 

Philadelphia, Pa., 

Newark, N. J., 

Fort McHenry, Md., 

Baltimore, Md., 

Providence, B. I., 

Fairfax Station, Va., 

Harper's Ferry, Va., 
a u 

Baltimore, Md., 
Washington, D. C, 

Companij "E.'' 
Camp Preston King, Md 



Fort McHenry, Md., 
Frederick, Md., 
David's Island' N. Y., 

Fort Wood, N. Y., 

Loudon Pleights, Ya., 
n u 

a ii 

a u 

New York City, 
Loudon Heights, Va., 

a a 

(( a 

a (( 

u u 

Washington, D.C.,- 
Newark, N. J., 



Date. 

Sept. 24. 
Oct. 7. 

" 24. 

« 30. 
Nov. 2. 

" 6. 

Dec. 1. 

1863, Jan. 18. 

" 23. 

« 23. 

« 25. 

« 3L 

,1862, May 25. 

" 25. 

" 25. 

'' 25. 
Aug. 15. 

" 28. 

" 28. 
Sept. 5. 
Oct. 17. 

'' 18. 
. « 18. 

" 18. 

" • 18. 

'' 20. 

" 21. 

« 21. 

" 21. 

" 21. 

« 21. 

" 27.' 

" 30. 



230 


STATISTICAL. 




Name. 


Discharged from. 


Date. 


T. Burns, 


Baltimore, Md., 


Nov. 17. 


J. M, Cole, 


a a 


" 17. 


W. Eastabrooks, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


. " 24. 


L. S. G-age, 


li ti 


" 24. 


John Annette, 


Frederick, Md., 


1863, Jan. 12. 


L. L. Lee, 


Fairfax Station, Va., 


'' 18. 


Fayette Graves, 


U U 


" 18. 


James M. Berry, 


Central Park, N. Y., 


" 24. 


Leonard Clark, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


Feb. 5. 


Gilbert St. Antoinc, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 
Company "F," 


" 19. 


W. McDonald, 


Baltimore, Md., 


1862, March 11. 


John Grimsbaw, 


Washington, D. C, 


Aug. 25. 


J. Warden, 


Fort McHenry, Md., 


Oct. 6. 


J. Eadican, 


Washington, D. C, 


a 12. 


J. Beyette, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


" 23. 


J. Bezett, 


(( li 


^' 23. 


A. Harvey, 


a a 


" 23. 


J. Adams, 


(( (( 


" 23. 


P. Maboney, 


<C (( 


" 23. 


G-. Cleland, 


(( u 


" 23. 


E. Tbayer, 


(C it 


^^ 25. 


H. Daniels, 


« (C 


Nov. 21. 


H. Stevens, 


U .( 


<^ 21. 


J. Keyse, 


u .< 


'' 21. 


M. Leonard, 


a (c 


'' 26. 


Moses Head, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


1863, Jan. 5. 


Thomas Chambers, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


" 10. 


Henry Thompson, 


a a 


Feb. 3. 


David a. Giffin, 


Alexandria, ^Va., 


" 17. 


^ 


Company ''G," 




L. Rusaw, 


Camp Michigan, Md., 


1862, Mar. 16. 


L. Gardiner, 


Baltimore, Md., 


Apr. 24. 





STATISTICAL. 


231 


Name. 


Wscharged from. 


Date. 


B. F. Taylor, 


Baltimore, Md., 


July 17. 


J. Bromley, 


a 


Oct. 6. 


L. B. Wilson, 


u 


" 14. 


A. Wilson, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


19. 


W. Gates, 


Baltimore, Md., 


" 22. 


J. Arney, 


a u 


" 23. 


A. Curry, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


Nov. 21. 


A. Royce, 


a a «•* 


" 21. 


N. Darsee, 


a a 


« 21. 


S. R. Bird, 


Providence, R. I., 


Dec. 4. 


Jno. Farley, 


a (I 


" 4. 


C. D. Hies, 


a a 


'^ 24. 


Jas. S. Miller, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 


1863, Jan. 7. 


Hugh Turner, 


York, 


^^ 10. 


Jno. Johnson, 


Fairfax Station, Ya., 
Company " E," 


« 18. 


S. Passeno, 


Baltimore, Md., 


1861, Dec. 10. 


Harmon Wilson, 


a u 


" 11. 


J. McAvoy, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


1862, Sept. 17. 


Gr. Monnette, 


Washington, D. C, 


Oct. 17. 


J. H. Wisher, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


" 23. 


T. Barcomb, 


Washington, D. C, 


" 28. 


A. Wilson, 


Fort McHenry, Md., 


Nov. 5. 


W.* T. Masury, 


Baltimore, 


Dec. 9. 


a. W. Masury, 


« 


" 10. 


A. W. Guinnup, 


Providence, R. I., 


Jan. 9. 


A. A. Guinnup, 


a a 


" 9. 


Jas. Megin, 


Alexandria, Ya., 
Company '* V 


• Feb. 13. 


Thomas Dawson, 


Baltimore, Md., 


1862, Jan. 31. 


C. B. Ward, 


Camp. Preston King, Ya., May 25. 


E. A Kent, 


U H li 


" 25. 


C. Kirby, 


« a (( 


" 25. 



232 


STATISTICAL. 




Name. 


Discharged from. 


Dat«. 


E. Tyner, 


Baltimore, Md., 


May 25. 


H. Whitman, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


July 15. 


A. Blaisdell, 


(( u 


" 15. 


E. Fiske, 


U (( 


" 15. 


E. Curtis, 


Washington, D. C, ^ 


Aug. 18. 


D. McDonald, 


Harper's Ferry, Va., 


Sept. 24. 


J. A. Barnes, 


Fort McHenry, Md., 


Oct. 23. 


Jno. Sweeney, 


Loudon Heights, Ya., 


" 24. 


W. McCauslin, 


a (c 


. " 24. 


W. H. Curtis, • 


i( a 


" 24. 


N. Peck, 


Bedloe's Island, N. Y., 


« 28. 


J. Harvey, 


Washington, D. C, 


" 30. 


J. Sterns, 


i( u 


Nov. 12. 


W. Humphrey, 


Fort McHemy, Md., 


« 17. 


Jno. Shampine, 


a . u 


" 17. 


A. Lamont, 


David's Island, N. Y., 


" 20. 


Cyrus Pease, 


Chester, Pa., 


Dec. 12. 


AV^ash'gton Meacham, Philadelphia, 


a 12. 


Chas. Sanford, 


Washington, D. C, 


1863, Jan. 9. 


Nelson Pease, 


Harper's Ferry, Ya., 


Feb. 1. 


Chas. B. Cutler, 


a a 


" 9. 


Jos. De Cair, 


Philadelphia, Pa., 
Company " K." 


« 22 


Ebeuezer Peck, 


Camp Preston King, Md. 


,1862, Mar. 15. 


A. F. Steemberge, 


a a u 


" 15. 


Alex. Miller, 


a a a 


^' 15. 


Lester Mason, 


" Miles, 


May 26. 


Lewis Potter, 


Baltimore, Md., 


June 16. 


Levi Crawford, 


a 


Aug. 20. 


a. W. Ellis, 


Washington, D. C, 


Sept. 12. 


H. Sheldon, 


Newport News, Ya., 


^' 24. 


a. W. Whiting, 


Fortress Monroe, 


" 29. 


J. Preston, 


a u 


Oct. 6. 



STATISTICAL. 233 



Name. 


Discharged from. 


Date. 


R. H. Daily, 


Harper's 


Ferry, 


Oct. 22. 


J. C. Conlin, 


a 


a 


Nov. 24. 


G. W. Wheelock, 


a 


a 


'^ 24. 


0. G. Cleflin, 


a 


ii 


" 24. 


B. E. Daniels, 


tc 


i( 


" 24. 


S. S. Hicks, 


a 


a 


" 24. 


J. S. Forward, 


cc 


a 


" "^4. 


M. Bullis, 


H 


n 


« 24. 


Elihu Blan chard, 


Providence, R. I., 


1863, Jan. 2. 


Robert Bond, 


Fairfax Station, Va., 


'' 4ft8. 



OFFICERS HONORABLY DISCHARGED. 

Dates of final settlement unknown; but the resignations 
were in the following order : 

Colonel William B. Hay ward 
2d Lieut. Lyman M. Shedd. 
" ^^ Milton F. Spencer. 
Captain David Day, 2d. 
Lieut.-Col. Charles R. Brundage. 
1st Lieut. James M. King. 
2d. " George M. Gleason. 
2d. " Charles H. Dickenson. 
Major Abel Godard. 
Surgeon James S. Gale. 
Captain John Snyder. 

" William H. Hyde. 
1st Lieut. James Hurst. 
2d " Langdon Clark. 
Captain James M. Ransom. 

" William Montgomery. 
Jst Lieut. Norris M. Dickinson. 
Chaplain Richard Eddy. 
20* 



STATISTICAL. 



Summary of Losses up to Feb. 20th, 1863. 



m 









i, 










>> 


■■B 








t 


11 

c 3 
















s 




Officers 






17 


6 


23 


Band 


7 




18 
* 17 


2 
6 


20 
30 


Com 


pany A 


B 


7 




15 


3 


25 




' C 


11 




31 


6 


48 




D 


5 


1 


17 


13 


36 




E 


11 


1 


31 


5 


48 




F 


10 




19 


10 


39 




G 


6 




17 


2 


25 




H 


8 




12 


6 


26 




I 


8 




26 


9 


43 




K 


7 


1 


20 


9 


37 


Una{ 


jsierned 








1 


1 








80 


3 


240 


78 


401 



Strength op Regiment, February 20th, 1863. 

Colonel, Abel Grodard. [Commissioned Dec. 30tli, 1862, 
but not mustered into service nor reported for duty.] 

Lieutenant-Colonel, Jobn C. 0. Eedington. 

Major, Winslow M. Thomas. 

Quartermaster, Edwin A. Merritt. 

First Assistant-Surgeon, William B. Chambers. 

Second Assistant-Surgeon, Charles H. Burbeck. 

Sergeant-Major, Henry Farrell. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant, Byron T. Bordwell. 

Commissary-Sergeant, Lyman Barber. 

Hospital Steward, George G. Cornish. 

Captains, James Young, V. N. Carter, Thos. Elliott, Hugh 
Smith, Jesse H. Jones, A. B. Shipman. 



STATISTICAL. 235 

First Lieutenants, Thomas Hobart, P. S. Sinclair, John 
Delany, 0. Foot, J). M. Robertson, E. A. Rich, M. L. Fitch. 

Second Lieutenants, C. H. Houghton, G-. M. Eastman, S. 
Adams, M. Nolan, J. Dundon, J. E. Kelsey, J. Ingram. 

Officers detached — Lieutenants Greene and Diven. 

AggTCgate strength of the Regiment, including Officers 

and Non-Commissioned Staff, 589 

Total, present for duty, . . . . , . 347 

Absent, (detailed, deserted or in hospital,) . . . 242 



236 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 



XVII. 

CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

Wishing a more full and reliable account of the subse-. 
quent movements and vicissitudes of the regiment than I 
could obtain from mere reports in newspaper paragraphs, I 
wrote to Quartermaster Merritt to furnish me with the neces- 
sary data, and his response I publish as received, believing it 
more acceptable in this form than if I should attempt to glean 
from it : 

Dear Chaplain ; 

In compliance with your wishes, I have collected some facts 
and incidents pertaining to the 60th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols., 
besides those which came under my own observation, from the 
time of your leaving, up to the 31st of August, 1863. I am 
largely indebted to Adjutant Lester S. Willson, and Commis- 
sary-Sergeant E. R. Follett, for many facts and incidents, 
especially during the march to and at the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville. Although not in any official form, and principally 
from recollection after the battle, I am satisfied they are 
mainly correct. 

The general good feeling and sympathy existing between 
yourself and the regiment, made your loss to us a sore disap- 
pointment. Expressions of regret at your absence were gene- 
ral among the men as well as officers. We had mutually 
borne the hardships and sufferings of active service in the 
field during the storms and exposures of winter, as well as 
the heat of summer, and the sickness of the spring and 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 237 

autumn. You had comforted the sick by watchfulness and 
care, and administered to the dying the consolations of religion. 
You had stimulated the men by conversations and eloquence to 
patieat endurance of the hardships and fatigues of a soldier's 
life, for the grand and patriotic purpose of putting down this 
unnatural rebellion; and also by your example in sharing with 
them the hardships which you asked them to endure with 
patience. Do not wonder then that we missed you, when we 
called to remembrance the last summer's campaign — from 
Baltimore, by Harper's Ferry, up the Shenandoah. Yalley; 
thence to Little "Washington, Warrenton, Sulphur Springs, 
Pope's Retreat, the battle of Antietam, the occupation of 
Loudon Heights } the subsequent march in the winter to Dum- 
fries ; back to Fairfax ; thence to Stafford Court House, and 
finally, to Acquia Creek — and earnestly desired your return. 

We felt, however, that, though absent, you still remembered 
us, and prayed for our welfare, as well as for the success of the 
cause for which we were sacrificing and enduring so much. 
We now rely upon you still as a friend, and that you will, by 
your voice, on all proper occasions, sustain us and the Gov- 
ernment we all so dearly love. The people, our friends at 
home, need encouragement, as well as the army in the field. 
Stimulate them to do their duty despite cold-blooded patriots 
and rebel sympathizers ! 

We remained at our old camp, at Acquia Creek, until the 
27th of April, doing guard duty most of the time at the land- 
ing and on the railroad toward Falmouth, 

On the 10th, the regiment was marched with the Division 
to Stafford Court House, where the 12th Corps was reviewed 
by the President and General Hooker.^ Although it was a 
long march up and back in one day, everything passed off well. 
After returning, and on the same day, a general muster took 
place, for the purpose of ascertaining the number of absentees, 
whether on detached service, in hospital, or deserted, to be 
reported to the Provost Marshal General. 



J38 CHANCELLORS VILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 



] 



You left us just in time to avoid the severest snow storm ol 
the season ; both men and animals suffered severely, and th< 
bad weather continued for considerable time, making the roadi 
almost impassable. Nothing of especial interest occurred ou1 
side of the routine of camp duty, made as disagreeable ai 
possible, however, by our musical and fanciful commander. 
At 'length the weather changed, the roads improved, and them: 
came the notes of preparation for a campaign. Orders were J 
issued to furnish the troops with eight days' marching rations, , 
which consisted of hard bread, coffee, sugar and salt, andi 
beef to be driven on the hoof. All surplus baggage was to ) 
be sent to the rear. Under this order, all the extra clothing, , 
in fact, all except one suit, was packed and sent to Washing- 
ton to be stored. 

A thorough medical inspection was made, and all those un- 
able to endure the severest fatigues and carry, in addition to > 
their usual load, eight days* rations, were ordered to the Corps 
Hospital, established near General Geary's Headquarters; 
and, on the 27th of April, at 6 o'clock in the morning, we 
took up our line of march in the direction of Stafford Court 
House. 

The men were in fine condition and excellent spirits, for 
they believed that the General would lead them to victory. 
They liked his spirit, and their confidence in, and enthusiasm 
for, " fighting Joe Hooker," was all that any ambitious com- 
mander could desire. 

We believed that the plans (whatever they were) which we 
were about to execute would be successful, and thus tend ma- 
terially to crush the rebellion, and end the war. No wonder, 
then, that on this beautiful morning, we left our old camp, in 
which we had passed the most disagreeable part of the winter, 
with feelings of joy; and with soldierly tread, at the sound 
of the bugle, fell into line with the expectation that we should 
not return to our old camp again until Richmond should be 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 239 

in our possession. We felt conscious that we should meet the 
rebel hosts, but at what precise point, no one could tell. 

Our Division, commanded by General John W. Geary, 
passed StaflFord Court House about noon; the 1st Division 
having preceded us. At 1 o'clock, we halted for dinner, and 
word was passed along the line that if officers wanted anything 
that had been placed in the wagon train, they must get it, as 
the wagons would not be allowed to proceed beyond the Court 
House. We then proceeded on our march until dark, making 
some fifteen miles that day. We encamped in the woods, and 
preserved the utmost quiet; no beating of drums or sounding 
of bugles was allowed. 

April 28th. Broke camp soon after daylight, and before 
sunrise the whole column was moving, and at noon we arrived 
at Harwood Church, when we discovered two other Corps 
moving in the same general direction by other roads. Troops 
could be seen as far as the eye could reach. This increased 
our confidence. We continued our march until dark in the 
direction of Kelley's Ford, on the Rappahannock, where we 
halted and bivouacked for the night in a piece of woods near 
the road, and preserved the utmost quiet. We were near the 
river, and the rebels were supposed to be on the opposite side. 
The roads this day were in fine condition, and we were there- 
jsjij fore enabled to make an advance of twenty miles. Although 
our men were very tired, they did not straggle or lose the 
buoyancy of spirits with which they started. We passed but 
few houses. Although it seems to be a fine country, very few 
people were seen. . The curse of ^'the pecuhar institution^' 
has been heavily laid on this part of the land. A large mail 
was received by us at this time, with great satisfaction. Words 
of comfort and cheer from home, sympathy with us in hard- 
ships and struggles, prayers for our welfare and safe return, 
after our noble mission shall have been performed, make us 
feel strong in our purpose, and encourage us to heroic sacri- 
fices for our country. Mingled with that night's dreams were 



240 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

visions of home and loved ones surrounding those firesides 
which many of us shall never again behold. 

A heavy picket was thrown out that night, in view of our 
near approach to the enemyj and the remainder of the troops 
lay down and slept quietly until daylight, when we were again 
summoned to be in readiness to move. Loge had prepared 
breakfast in time, so that everything could be in readiness ; 
as experience had taught him that unless he got his ^'JiptcF' 
packed in time to start with the regiment, it was rather diffi- 
cult to overtake them; and beside he was subject to all the 
jeers of the soldiers as he passed them. He had got things 
packed except the tent and blankets, but, as the latter made 
a good seat, the Colonel hated to give them up, until he was 
obliged ! Therefore, to hasten matters, as the Colonel re- 
mained immovable, he put his spurs into one of the many 
drawers of the " hotel," that the Colonel might be able to 
mount his horse without stopping for anything. 

The order came, the Colonel arose, and thought he would 
stop, at all hazards, and put on his spurs ; but, behold ! they 
could not be found ; he dropped on his knees, ordered the 
Doctors and Loge to help him find them ; and, as they always 
obey orders, and were also very anxious that the spurs should 
be found, they commenced searching with a determination 
which, it would seem, could not ^i\. Leaves were turned 
over, and brush thrown in every direction, but to no purpose ; 
they were evidently lost, or some one without the least spark 
of conscience had stolen them. After stopping as long as 
'was expedient, to keep in the good graces of Brigade com- 
manders, (for, as you know, he is very anxious to be a favorite 
there,) he mounted his horse with a very long and ministerial 
face, probably uttering silent prayers for the wretch who had 
stolen his spurs ! 

Finally, the Doctors and Loge came up with the regiment, 
and, as we were at a halt, Loge approached the Colonel, and, 
casting up a sly look from under his vizor, exclaimed, ^' Co- 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 241 

no-nel, I foun' your spurs !" What a change of countenance ! 
the ministerial face at once became o'erspread with smiles, 
and happiness seemed to reign supreme. He showered down 
on the head of our friend Loge a profusion of thanks, who 
acknowledged them, and respectfully retired soliloquizing, 
tliat to be happy in this world, one must help those who are 
in trouble ! 

We arrived at the heights, near Kelley's Ford, about sun- 
rise ; part of the 11th Corps had laid a pontoon bridge the 
night previous, and crossed the river. Artillery had been 
placed in position to protect the laborers, and as the mere 
sight of cannon was enough for the small force of rebs. that 
were posted there, we crossed with little or no resistance. 
The artillery was still kept in position ready for any emer- 
gency. It was a grand sight. Crossing the river, we first came 
to a large plain which was skirted with heavy timber. Skir- 
mishers were sent forward to examine the woods ; which were 
found clear of the enemy, and we marched on about a mile, 
when our cavalry brought in a couple of rebel pickets. Things 
began to look a little like fighting, and we all expected it be- 
fore night. For the first few miles we marched slowly, ap- 
parently feeling our way, but in a short time confidence 
appeared to be restored, and we marched on as confidently as 
the day before. We halted about noon for dinner, twelve 
miles from Culpepper Court House. In thirty minutes we 
resumed our march; and, at about 3 P. M., our cavalry began 
to bring back to the rear some prisoners, and in a short time 
firing commenced quite lively in advance of us. Orders came 
for us to advance more rapidly. We formed in close column, 
and conformed to orders. Soon we passed a log house by the 
roadside, where we saw a squad of our men guarding some 75 
prisoners, which they had surprised and captured. They were 
a portion of an engineer corps of the enemy, who were engaged 
at the time in constructing a bridge across the Rapidan. They 
had no intimation of our approach, until we were close upon 
21 



242 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

them. They all appeared to be well supplied with food, and 
were comfortably clothed, and seemed very much chagrined 
at being thus caught. We had one Lieutenant slightly 
wounded in the affray. The enemy had one Lieutenant very 
severely and, I think, mortally wounded. Our forces com- 
menced crossing immediately, by fording the river, while a 
force was detailed to finish the bridge which the rebels had 
nearly completed, so that it might be crossed by footmen, 
which was soon accomplished. Those that forded the stream, 
though the water was up to their arms, and a very strong cur- 
rent, plunged in with a hearty good will, and if it was not 
fun, at least they called it so. Our regiment crossed about^^ 
dark, and encamped near the bank. We bivouacked about 9 
P. M., expecting a fight in the morning. 

April 30th. Spent a very disagreeable night, as it rained 
without cessation, and we arose in the morning thoroughly 
saturated, and prepared to advance. We were ordered to 
march at 9 o'clock. It had ceased raining, and we all fell in 
with a good will, expecting to meet the rebels but a short 
distance in advance. , 

We now came to grounds that the rebels had picketed the 
night before. We took some prisoners that morning. About 
noon the enemy fired on us with a piece of light artillery, one 
shot coming very near us. Our cavalry advanced immediately, 
and after a short skirmish captured the piece. 

We were soon cheered by the sight of a balloon in the dis- 
tance, which satisfied us that we were nearing Fredericks- 
burg, and being somewhat fatigued, with our hard marching 
with our eight days' rations on our backs, we felt gratified to 
think that our march would soon terminate, as the enemy 
must be between us and that place. At about 4 P. M., we 
came in sight of the Chancellorsville House. 

Four companies of our regiment, under command of Cap- 
tain Thomas Elliott, of Company ^' F," were now ordered out 
as skirmishers, the remaining six following as a reserve ] we 



CHANCELLORSVTLLE AND GETTYSBURG. 243 

went thus, through a piece of oak wood, about half a mile in 
extent, and finding no enemy, the brigade took position in 
line of battle, our right resting at a point in the main line of 
battle formed by General Hooker, one half mile south of the 
road leading from Chancellorsville House to Fredericksburg. 

That evening General Hooker's order, congratulating the 
troops upon their success thus far, thanking them for their 
patient endurance of the fatigues of the march, and promising 
a brilliant success in the future, was read to the troops, and 
was responded to by loud and prolonged cheers for General 
Hooker. 

May 1st. This morning we received orders to muster for 
pay; had just commenced, when the boom of cannon was 
heard but a short distance from us, and we were ordered into 
line, and were soon marching in that direction, which was 
toward Bank's Ford. We marched down through the pine 
woods, over brooks, and almost everything that could impede 
our progress. We were soon near enough to have occasion to 
dodge the enemy's solid shot, which were hurled toward us 
in great profusion, and some of them came uncomfortably 
near. I assure you it was not very welcome music as they 
came crashing through the trees ; but I believe none of our 
regiment were injured. Soon the musketry firing became 
very brisk, and we were ordered to fall back. After falling 
back about a mile, we threw out skirmishers and very quietly 
drew back toward camp. On our way there, on the plank 
road a short distance beyond the Chancellorsville House, (to- 
ward Fredericksburg,) we saw a large number of cannon 
planted which presented a very threatening aspect, and we 
6egan to see the object of our former movements. They were 
about to play a " yankee trick " upon the enemy. We had 
hardly resumed our old position, when very heavy firing was 
heard. Our skirmishers had drawn the enemy after them, 
within easy range of these dogs of war, when they opened 
their brazen lips, belching forth such torrents of grape and. 



244 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

canister as compelled them to retire a little chagrined, as they 
had set up one of their fiendish yells of victory, supposing 
that our line had broken and fled in confusion; but when 
they discovered their mistake, they withdrew. Soon after 
there was a furious attack made by cavalry on our right, but 
they were nobly repulsed. Again they tried on our left, but 
were driven back, the loss being heavy on both sides. Night 
coming on soon put a stop to fighting, and we anxiously waited 
for the morrow to tell its results. Morning came and found 
along our whole line a splendid rifle pit. The men had 
worked all night — they had marched hard for nearly a week, 
had skirmished all day, and now they wofk all night — con- 
structing breastworks, and the only tools they had, with the 
exception of two or three spades, as many axes and picks, 
were the bayonets of their guns, and tin plates from their 
haversacks ; but, with all these disadvantages to surmount, in 
one night had constructed fortifications behind which they 
felt perfectly secure. 

May 2d. This day we were permitted to rest quietly, with 
the exception of an occasional shell which burst near enough to 
remind us of our proximity to the foe. At about 4 P. M., firing 
commenced in the woods in our front. We immediately 
sprang to arms, and anxiously awaited an attack in our en- 
trenchments. All at once a general attack was made on our 
right, and we were moved up the length of our division. 
Stragglers at this time came running past in great confusion, 
stating that the 11th Corps, to which they belonged, was all 
cut to pieces; our regiment was engaged in trying to stop 
them, forming them into a line, that they might again report 
to their proper commands. The enemy were finally repulsed 
before fairly turning our flank, and were driven around nearly 
in rear of us. The cannonading at this time was terrific. 
They massed their forces twice during th« night, and at- 
tempted to force our line. Artillery was ready for them, and 
they were driven back with fearful loss. It was a beautiful 



CHANGELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 245 

night, and tlie artillery firing was the most fearfully grand 
sight that I ever beheld. 

May 3d. This being Sunday, and as we knew that this 
was the enemy's fighting day, we looked for a hard da/s 
work ; the ball opened early and fiercely. About sunrise we 
were ordered to move to the right, about the length of our 
regiment, and at right angles with the rifle pits, for the pur- 
pose of stopping stragglers. This left us in a very exposed po- 
sition. We threw up some oak brush and shrubbery in front 
of us, as a sort of protection, and then laid down behind it 
awaiting the advance of the enemy. Soon the men of regi- 
ments which had been engaged came running back, some 
with and some without arms. We succeeded in stopping 
many of them. Soon the enemy were near enough for us to 
do a little execution; we arose, discharged our pieces at the 
foe, who were advancing, leaped over our brush heaps, ad- 
vanced, loaded and fired several rounds, and then resumed 
our former position, and waited for them to form their line, 
which we had broken up somewhat, and advance upon us 
again, which they soon did. "" We gave them another volley, 
then charged upon them ; but they would not stand, but ran 
in all directions. We therefore stood and fired upon them 
several rounds more, but seeing that we were the only regi- 
ment which had not retired, concluded we had better fall 
back. At this time our commanding officer, Lieutenant- 
Colonel J. C. 0. Redington, could not be found. Some said 
lie had been killed, but the regiment rallied, and formed in 
line, and was marched to the rear by the Senior Captain, 
Thomas Elliott, about 100 rods; here we formed a line 
under the direction of a Staff Officer, (G-eneral Geary's). 
About this time Colonel Redington came up uninjured. 
Before marching to the rear Major Thomas and Captain El- 
liott had received slight wounds ; the Major had left the field, 
and Captain Elliott left immediately after forming the secona 
line. After forming this line we were cheered by the words 
21* 



246 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

of General Geary's Aid, who said, " General Hooker says it 
is all well on the right; hold this position, and all is safe." 
The determination that was depicted in the countenances of 
the men, was beautiful to behold ; but the enemy outnum- 
bered us five to one ; and though every inch of the ground 
was contested, inch by inch we were compelled to retire. 

While fighting at this point, the Adjutant was severely 
wounded by a grape shot, (probably from our own guns,) 
striking his sword scabbard, which, being of steel, doubtless 
saved his life. We continued to fall back until we reached 
the plank road, where there was another line of rifle pits. 
These we immediately occupied, and remained about an hour 
under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery, supporting a 
battery which was finally compelled to fall back, taking some 
of their pieces out by hand, as their horses had been killed by 
the enemy's shells. Here, again, Lieutenant-Colonel Reding- 
ton was missing, and did not appear until just before we fell 
back, out of range of the enemy's guns. We fell back in 
good order, and joined our Brigade, which we found located 
about three-fourths of a mile^southeast of the Chancellors- 
ville House, in an oak thicket; and there we hoped, for a 
short time, at least, to rest ourselves, as we were very much 
exhausted from constant vigilance and anxiety ; but how vain 
•were our expectations, for we had not been there exceeding 
ten minutes, when our men thinking it a good time to make 
cofiee, kindled fires for that purpose, the smoke from which 
ascending above the tops of the trees, discovered our where- 
abouts to the enemy, and they at once opened upon us such a 
shower of shot and shell as reminded us quite forcibly that 
they were not willing that we should remain there any longer ; 
hence we took it for granted that " discretion was the better 
part of valor," and made the best of our way out. Just as we 
were starting, a solid shot from the enemy instituted a search 
in the haversack of one of the "boys" of Company ''H," 
tearing it from him in a very rude manner, and throwing his 



OHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 247 

" hard tack'^ in every conceivable direction. It felled him to 
the earth at first, but finding that he was not injured, he rose 
to his feet and, looking around, said : " Hallo 1 the d — d vil- 
lains are cutting off my supplies !" 

Our regiment was now marched down to the trenches again, 
and took position in the front line, there to do picket duty. 
About one-half of the regiment was sent out in front as skir- 
mishers, the remaining half were left in the trenches as a 
reserve. Nothing occurring of importance that night, we were 
relieved in the morning by our reserve ; we taking their 
positions. We then fell to work strengthening our breast- 
works, and arranging everything for the contest which we now 
expected every moment, as there was heavy skirmishing just 
on our right, and momentarily working towards our line ) but 
the enemy were repulsed or held in check, so that they did 
not come upon our entrenchments. At this time General Kane, 
of the 2d Brigade, came down and congratulated us on our 
success in the completion of our breastworks, and said he would 
like to see five thousand of the enemy attack that position, 
held just by our regiment alone. Said he : ''I have heard of 
the valor displayed by you on the field yesterday; you were 
not content to dance with the girls all day^ hut had to go down 
below and smoke in the evening !'' 

We remained there holding that position until the artillery 
had crossed the river on their return to their former camps. 
In the morning, just at dawn, the rebels threw a few shells 
from our left, across the river into our wagon train, then 
situated nearly opposite the United States Ford, in an open 
field ; which caused no little surpri'se to the great number of 
non-combatants — teamsters, negroes, servants and stragglers, 
who were scattered in the woods in the vicinity of the train. 
The train people were just having their morning nap, in 
fancied security, when the shells began to burst in their 
midst, " and then there was hurrying in hot haste," and 
hastily harnessing of horses and mules, and '^ skedaddling" 



248 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

generally — all supposing that the enemy was actually on 
the north side of the river. It was also the first occasion 
when the enemy had got near enough to shell our train, which 
consisted of several thousand wagons. But three or four Tier- 
sons were killed, and but few animals. One shell passed 
through a hospital tent^ killing two wounded men; one a 
Union soldier, and one a rebel, sitting side by side. There 
being a largo number of prisoners guarded in the vicinity of 
the train, some escaped during the melee. 

On Wednesday morning, the 6th of May, we took up our 
line of march very much dispirited, as that was the first inti- 
mation that we had that we were whipped, or that there was 
any danger of it. We arrived at and crossed the river, at 
United States Ford, at about 4| A. M., and pursued our 
march until we arrived at our old camp at Acquia Creek 
Landing, and took possession of our cabins, which had not 
been disturbed in our absence. I will remark that Companies 
''B;' <'!)'' and "K" were left behind, being on picket. 
These companies being unable to join the regiment on the 
march, went directly to Stoneman's Switch, where they took, 
the cars, and arrived in camp one da}^ before the remainder of 
the regiment came up. 

Here, after getting fairly settled, and completely rested 
from the excessive fatigues of the campaign, we began to 
recall to mind incidents which occurred upon the field, in the 
late battle, a few of which I will give you in this connection. 

When we made the first charge over the line of oak brush 
which we had thrown up, (more to conceal our position than 
a defence,) one Erastus Webster, of Company " K," an eccen- 
tric woodsman, but a good soldier, in bringing his gun to a 
" ready," had it swept from his hands and knocked to flinders 
by a solid shot from one of the enemy's guns ; but not willing 
'to give up the contest thus, went off to the right where a good 
many had fallen, to pick up another gun, as he said he had 
seen several as we marched up to our present position. On 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 249 

arriving there, he had just secured the much-coveted " shoot- 
in'-iron'' as he called it, when four or jQve rebs. came up and 
commanded him to surrender ; looking around, and seeing no 
help, he threw down his gun, and was about to accompany 
them, when six of our boys coming up, demanded the imme- 
diate surrender of the five rebs. Webster seeing them, im- 
mediately seized his gun again, saying '^ Ifs a pretty big thing, .^ 
hut I don't ^zactly see the pint of surrenderin' to you fellers V 
and turned and assisted in conducting the disappointed rebs. 
within our lines. 

John Thomas, a Welshman, while standing in line, loading 
and firing, was struck in the breast by a "grape," which 
passed in front of us, taking ofi" one button from his coat, and 
tearing out the button-hole, knocked him over into the arms 
of Sergeant Follett, who, supposing him to be seriously 
wounded, ordered him to the rear ; but on Thomas' pulling 
open his clothes, and seeing that the missle had not penetra- 
ted his breast, he exclaimed : "' No, sir ! I'll not leave here 
until I am hurt worser than this V and resumed his work 
more earnestly than before. 

An Orderly of one of the Generals riding along in rear of 
our lines, had his horse struck by a shell which burst in his 
bowels, tearing him completely to pieces, and throwing the 
orderly four or five feet into the air. Upon lighting, as he 
did on all fours, he straightened up, and seeing his horse thus 
mangled, walked ofi", saying, that he did not want that horse 
any more. 

I relate these incidents to show the determination on the 
part of the men, and that if we meet with reverses it is not 
their fault, as it is acknowledged by all, that they will not 
only fight when an opportunity presents itself, but will seek 
opportunities to give battle. 

The regiment remained at the old camp until the 13th of 
June. On the 2d Captains Carter and Eobertson left for 
home, having resigned. Both these officers commanded their 



250 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG 

respective companies during the battle of Chancellorsville. 
Our wounded who were left on the field were finally delivered 
up to us, and were brought to the Hospital at Acquia creek, 
at which place Sergeant Hayward died. He was wounded 
through the chest, and was left for dead on the field, and was 
not cared for by the rebels for three days, and for five days he 
had no food of consequence. He lived, however, until he 
arrived at the creek, keeping up his spirits remarkably well. 
He was a true patriot soldier. Sergeant Raymond had nearly 
the same experience as Sergeant Hayward, but survived ; his 
wound being in the leg. On the 10th of June, to the sur- 
prise of most of the regiment. Colonel Abel Godard arrived 
within the command. He had been commissioned in De- 
cember, but had not been mustered into the U. S. service. 
The Commission having been sent direct to the regiment and 
coming into the hands of Lieutenant-Colonel J. C. 0. lled- 
ington, of course was not forwarded to him ; but instead, 
he was reported absent without leave. How a man could be 
reported at all until he was mustered into the U. S. service, I 
could not understand. Under directions of higher authority, 
however, he was dropped from the rolls. Under notice or by 
direction of the Adjutant-General of N. Y., the Provost-Mar- 
shal of the 17th Congressional District, N. Y., ordered him 
to report to General Greene for duty. Meanwhile his case had 
been reported to the Corps Headquarters, in order to get a 
recommendation from the board on '^ absentees" for the annul- 
ling of the Commission. It was procured without the ap- 
proval of the Commanding General, and forwarded to Albany 
by the Lieutenant-Colonel. Just as this was done. Colonel 
Godard arrived, and application was immediately made for a 
special order for his muster, the regiment being so small it 
could not be done without it. 

Again we made preparations for a movement by turning in 
all surplus clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and ord- 
nance stores; and on the night of the 12th of June we 



i 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 251 

received the order to be ready to move at six o'clock the next 
morning to a point on the railroad near the bridge across the 
Potomac creek, for the purpose of doing picket duty. Be- 
lieving this, we loaded on the wagons such articles as we 
thought would be convenient, with the intention of sending 
the teams back for such things as we could not carry. On 
the loth we moved in obedience to orders, and arrived at our 
destination at about 2 P. ^^, and immediately sent our teams 
back for forage, etc., left behind. We supposed of course 
that we were to remain here during the summer, at least. We 
began to arrange things accordingly ; but only a short time 
elapsed before we discovered large numbers of convalescents 
and stragglers moving in the direction of Stafford Court House, 
having come from Falmouth. Soon the great wagon train 
began to move past us in the same direction ; then came the 
reserve artillery and ambulances. The query was upon every 
lip, " What does all this mean ?" We were not long left in 
doubt, as we received an order before sundown to march im- 
mediately in the direction of Fairfax. We had commenced 
the long, tedious and wearying march which terminated at 
Gettysburg, Pa. Our teams had not returned, and we were 
sorely perplexed. They would have also to meet that constant 
stream of wagons, which it would be impossible to pass, and 
the road was nearly a mile distant. The only course which 
seemed to be left was to transport the loading down to the road, 
somewhat in advance of the point where the teams would strike. 
A detail was therefore made, and such articles as we could not 
carry in the few wagons still remaining with us were trans- 
ported to the proper place, and finally taken in by the teams. 

This consumed the time until near midnight, and a dark 
night it was. The heavens were, however, lighted up in the di- 
rection of Falmouth and Stoneman's Switch, indicating the 
destruction of such stores as could uot be transported. We 
moved on with the train, our brigade bringing up the rear. 
We were ordered to move on as rapidly as possible, not wait- 



252 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURa. 

ing to water or feed tlie animals. We did, however, succeed 
occasionally in giving eacli animal a pail of water, in the har- 
ness. Our train kept moving until we reached the Occoquan 
river, at the village of that name. The troops, however, 
halted for the night at Dumfries. A pontoon bridge was 
laid across the Occoquan, but a delay of 12 hours was caused 
by constructing the bridge and its approaches. 

The next day, the 16th of June, the train moved on to 
Fairfax Court House. The troops moved to the same point by 
way of Wolf Eun^Shoals", which was one of the severest marches 
made during the year. The weather was intensely hot, and 
the dust was almost suffocating. There were several cases of 
sun-stroke. We remained at Fairfax Court House during the 
17th ; in the evening of which day. Colonel Godard took com- 
mand, he having been mustered into the service. You may be 
sure that event was well received by the regiment generally. 
They had been, for a considerable time, desirous of a change, 
the reasons for which it is needless to mention to you. All 
those who had been taken seriously ill on the march thus far, 
were sent by railroad to Alexandria, and on the morning of 
the 18th, we again moved on in the direction of Drainesville, 
and encamped about two miles south of that place, near the 
forks of the road from Fairfax, and the Alexandria Pike. We 
moved more steadily this day, and halted in good time for 
supper. The troops bivouacked, and the trains were properly 
parked, and we all had a good night's rest. 

On the 19th, we again moved on, in the direction of Lees- 
burg, following the Pike, through Drainesville, passing over 
the ground where a cavalry battle had been fought earlier in 
the war. This is a beautiful country when contrasted with 
Stafford County, or, in fact, with any portion of the route 
between Acquia Creek and this point. 

We were told at this place that the rebel cavalry had been 
in the locality but a short time previous, and were no doubt 
now looking about with the intention of making a dash on our 






CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 253 

train. The main body of troops were in the advance. About 
the middle of the afternoon, word was passed along the train 
that we had arrived" at a suspected locality, and that the 
guards and teamsters must all have their guns loaded, so as to 
be ready for use at any moment. The guards and extra-duty 
men marched along beside the train, at regular intervals, with 
fixed bayonets, and presented quite a formidable appearance, « 
but no foe appeared. We were thus moving along steadily, 
and quite rapidly, when one of the severest thunder storms of 
the season burst upon us, accompanied by hailstones as large 
as walnuts. The train was compelled to halt. The teams 
could with great difficulty be kept in the road. Some of them 
did make for the woods near the road. Some of the mules 
got entangled, while others upset the wagons. It was almost 
impossible to withstand the hail. It subsided at length, and 
we were enabled to reach Goose Creek, within four miles of 
Leesburg. The principal part of the troops encamped on 
the Leesburg side of the Creek, the advance reaching to the 
' village, but the train remained on the south side. The bridge 
had been destroyed by the rebels some time previous. The 
3d Brigade was left as a guard to the train. 

On the 20th, we moved on, being compelled to ford Groose 
Creek about one mile above the bridge, at the site of an old 
mill-dam. This was rendered necessary on account of the bad 
fording near the site of the old bridge, and the Creek having 
been raised considerably by the rain of the day before. We 
reached Leesburg about noon, when we beheld a sight which 
I never wish to see again — the execution of three men con- 
victed of the crime of desertion. Their names were, William 
McKee, Co. A, 46th P. V.; William Groover, of the same re- 
giment, and Christopher Krumbar, Co. B, 13th N. J. Vols., 
all belonging to the 1st Division of the 12th Army Corps. 
They were executed near the road running from Leesburg 
to Edward's Ferry, and between that road and the Alexandria 
Pike. The Division was drawn up in the form of a square, 



254 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

enclosing three sides ; the open side being towards the r( 
in which was placed the condemned men in line, and ab 
twenty feet apart, standing in front of three new-made gra^ 
with coffins, made of rough boards, beside them. On the ] 
of the condem'ned, (as they faced the Division,) were t 
Generals and Staffs, and the Provost-Greneral -, in front 
inside the square, were three squads, of eight men each, r( 
pectively in front of and facing the criminals. The prepar 
tions having all been completed, the order for their executic 
was given, and at the word " Fire I" they were launched fort 
into the untried ocean of Eternity. They were instantl 
killed, each having been pierced by several balls. Thei 
bodies were then placed in the coffins, and the troops marchec 
past, in column by platoons, giving all an opportunity to Yiev, 
the corpses. These men were really not such great criminals 
as many others who had deserted earlier in the war, and who, 
on account of the laxity of discipline, escaped punishment. 
Having, however, disobeyed orders, and deserted, and thereby 
incurred the penalty, desertion had become so frequent, that 
it had become absolutely necessary to enforce it. 

The 12th Corps supply train was moved on the road towards 
Edward's Ferry, about one mile and a half from Leesburg, 
while the troops were posted on the commanding positions on 
the different roads approaching the town. Our Brigade was 
set to work repairing an old fort, which had been commenced, 
but not completed by the rebels, and which commanded the 
road leading from the Ferry, and also the river which is not 
far distant, within easy range of artillery. We remained at 
this point five days, during which time the cavalry fight ne 
Aldie took place. The cannonading was distinctly heard du 
ing the battle, which lasted nearly all day. This was on tl 
21st. 

Everything seemed to be quiet until the 24th, when rumor 
came that the enemy was advancing on the place. They die. 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 255 

advance in a threatening attitude during the da}^, but fell 
back during the night. 

On the 25th, the 11th Corps moved down the south side of 
Goose Creek to the Potomac, where it crossed both streams 
on pontoon bridges. The Ferry is opposite the mouth of 
Goose Creek. The Potomac at this point is 1320 feet in 
width. Two bridges were put across here to facilitate the 
crossing of the army. 

In company with Lieutenant L. H. Mitchell, doing duty in 
the Engineer Department on General Hooker's Staff, also for- 
merly from Parishville, and Mr. Oswell, of Ogdensburgh, in 
the same department, and an assistant of Lieutenant Mitchell, 
I visited the Ball's Bluff battle-field, which is about one mile 
and a half from Leesburg. I saw the place where the gallant 
Baker fell. A long trench, in the little opening where he 
placed his artillery, shows where rest the braves who were 
sacrified to the incompetency of — somebody. This bluff is 
almost perpendicular, and extends along the river bank for a 
long distance, and is covered with forest trees, whose branches 
and the underbrush are interwoven with the grape and other 
vines. The only point near where cannon could be taken up, 
was just opposite the field, and was merely a path in the woods, 
up which inclined plane the cannon had to be hauled by 
human hands. Opposite this point is Harrison's Island, across 
which (making, of course, two streams) Colonel Baker was 
compelled to transport his troops, without pontoon bridges or 
necessary boats — only having one or two old scows. It will 
be pronounced in all time one of the most foolhardy attempts 
to attack a superior force which has taken place during the 
war. 

We broke camp at 3 A. M., and before noon the whole 
Corps, trains and all, had crossed the river into Maryland. 
Once more, after so long a time, had we again set foot on 
loyal soil ; but not with that feeling of pride with which we 
were wont in former times. The foe had anticipated us, and 



256 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

was rioting, unmolested, in the valleys of Maryland and | 
Pennsylvania. "Tliey must be driven out, and punished for 
their audacity," was the cry of our men, as they pushed on 
towards the Monocacy. We received supplies at the Ferry. 
Captain Elliott also joined us here, and we moved on up the 
river to a point near to the mouth of the Monocacy, where 
we encamped for the night. The newspapers were anxiously 
sought, as we had been by necessity deprived of them for a 
long time, and not until we received them, did we begin to 
appreciate the real danger, or the state of excitement 
throughout the loyal north. 

On the 27th, broke camp about seven A. M., and moved 
on up the river in the direction of Knoxville, which place, 
we were told, was to be our destination, crossing the Mono- 
cacy at the aqueduct, near its mouth, while the train bore 
more to the right in the direction of Frederick City. Our 
destination being Middletown, a little village eight miles from 
Frederick, in the direction of Hagerstown, between the 
Catoctin range and South Mountain, where we were informed 
also that the troops and trains would again meet. The train 
moved through Frederick, and up the pike about two miles, 
and parked for the night. The troops moved on in the 
•direction of Knoxville, and finally turned towards Frederick 
and encamped near Jefi'erson, a small village on the north 
slope of the Catoctin range. The 28th they moved to within 
one mile of Frederick, while the train moved up to Middle- 
town, where it remained until near dark^ when it retraced its 
steps and joined the troops about 11 P. M. Orders were 
given to issue three days' rations immediately, which was done, 
that the troops might be in readiness to move at daylight. 
Some boots and stockings were also issued to the most needy 
of the men who had worn their shoes entirely out. This was 
unexpected by them, and therefore better appreciated. The 
troops moved early, as also the train ; but, in consequence of 
so many trains passing through the city, we did not get 



CHANCELLORS VILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 257 

through until afternoon, when we moved on in the direction 
of Gettysburg, by the way of Woodsborough, Taneytown 
and Littletown. We could not get clear of the city without 
exhibiting to the quiet people of that town the effects of the 
soldier's worst enemy — cheap whiskey. I saw more drunk- 
enness this day than it has been my lot to witness during the 
war. The men had been deprived of access to stimulating 
drinks, and as there was no particular restraint on its sale, 
they filled their canteens, the effect of which was soon 
manifest along the streets, and by the sides of the highways. 
The appearance resembled somewhat the battle-field after a 
severe contest. In this case the enemy was evidently 
victorious, as the dead (drunk) and wounded lay on every 
hand, all having been wounded in the neck, some slightly, 
and others severely. In this contest there seemed to be great 
rivalry between the ofiEicers and soldiers to see which would 
most severely punish their enemy and destroyer. It will 
remain for the future historian to determine the question of 
superiority, for, as far as I could see, they were equally brave, 
and seemed to be in the race nech and neclc. When the 
enemy's batteries were fully opened I am inclined to think 
that the "shoulder-straps," being in the advance, must have 
suffered most, having received the heaviest (dis) charges. 
Had General Lee been able to have attacked us at that time 
I am afraid that we could not have obtained such a glorious 
result as we afterwards achieved. 

It was on this morning that the army was first aware that 
there had been any change of Commander. All sorts of 
rumors were afloat with regard to the successor of General 
Hooker. General Meade was not particularly known, except 
as Commander of the 5th Corps, and it was supposed, by 
some, that his Command would be but temporary, and that 
he would be replaced by General McClellan, and it was even 
rumored that the latter was actually in command. Some 
surprise was, no doubt, felt, but none expressed ; all seemed 
22-^ 



r 



258 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBUR.^. 

intent on a common object, and had confidence in themselves, 
in the army, and in the justice of their cause, and did not 
fear to encounter the rebels at any time ; but on the contrary 
were eager for the fray on loyal soil. 

I will here remark that, so far as I have been able to judge, 
the troops will march much further without fatigue and 
complaint, to meet the enemy, than to go from them. It may 
be caused by the excitement of the occasion, and their desire 
to accomplish something definite and conclusive. It is true, 
however, there are fewer stragglers while the army is moving 
towards the enemy than from them. The stragglers and 
cowards are exceptions. The true patriot soldier feels a com- 
mendable pride in being at his post, and there doing his duty — 
the same spirit which prompted most of our soldiers to volun- 
teer for the salvation of our Government, and makes them look 
with scorn and detestation upon any man who is known to 
shirk his duty in the hour of danger. 

On the 29th, we moved about fifteen miles. On the 30th, 
we moved on from Woodsborough to Littletown, in Pennsyl- 
vania, passing General Meade's Headquarters, at Taney town, 
Md. Not far from the hour of noon, we halted, and as we 
were approaching the Pennsylvania line, we were all anxious 
to know exactly where it was. It seemed almost like getting 
home ; we felt freer, and less under that kind of restraint upon 
one subject which (in consequence of a local social institution) 
we felt it due to the loyal people of the State not to mention 
in any way to offend or stir up strife or dissensions among the 
people, or» offend some loyal officers who, if not advocates of, 
were apologists for, the institution, being residents of border 
States. 

There are some splendid farms in this part of the country^ 
and it is noted, I should say, for its magnificent barns and 
out-buildings. In fact, our route, since we crossed the Poto- 
mac, had been through a fine agricultural country. From 
Frederick to the Maryland line, may be found some of the 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 259 

finest wheat farms in the land. The principal crop this year 
is wheat. The golden grain was just ready for the sickle, 
but all labor seemed to be at a stand-still. The fear of the 
consequences of the impending battle, and the warlike passage 
of troops through the country, paralyzed the inhabitants. 

Soon after crossing " Mason & Dixon's line," we came to a 
snug little brick house, standing at the corner of the road,. 
with woods near, and a play-ground in front, and as we passed 
it, we all took off our hats, going by uncovered, and gave three 
hearty cheers for the F'ree Common Schools of America! 
A friend of mine, of Frederick, Captain W., being in our 
company, was at first inclined to take the demonstration as a 
reflection on his State, the one we had just left, but, on con- 
sideration, seeing that nothing of the kind was intended, he 
paid a high tribute to popular education, and the necessity for 
its support and encouragement. He had formerly been a 
teacher. 

We encamped near Littletown, and distributed clothing, of 
which the troops stood in great need. 

July 1st. We moved, about 8 A. M., towards Gettysburg, 
and arrived at a place called Two Taverns, before noon, where 
the troops took dinner, and the train was put in park, and 
held in readiness to move at a moment's notice. And now 
the booming of cannon could be heard at the front, some four 
miles distant, and gradually grew more rapid. From an ele- 
vation near our halting place, I could see the smoke from the 
cannon and the little puffs in the air, which indicated the 
bursting of shells. These little circles of smoke which seemed 
to be floating off quietly in the air, were evidence to us of the 
conflict going on below. 

The great battle had commenced. The 12th Corps was 
ordered promptly forward, while the train was sent to the 
rear, down the Pike towards Baltimore, and did not perma- 
nently halt until it reached a point two miles beyond West- 
minster, Md., a distance of twenty-five miles from the battle- 



260 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

field. The vragons containing hospital supplies and their 
accompanying attendants, as well as the ammunition, were 
ordered to the front ; all unnecessary material being kept in 
the rear. Communication was, however, kept up constantly 
between the troops and the train. 

Our Livision reached the vicinity of the battle-field at about 
4 P. M., where we remained, lying upon our arms, until Gh A. \ 
M., on the morning of the 2d of July, when we took up posi- 
tion in line of battle, about half a mile to the right of Sugar- 
loaf Mountain, in front of the Taney town road, the 60th con- 
necting with the right of the 1st Corps, where they threw up 
entrenchments connecting with the 102d N. Y. Vols., on the 
right. The men worked with a will, and had, by 9 A. M., 
completed a breastwork, that commanded the brow of a pre- 
cipitous hill, which, on the right, extended to low ground. 
We were now about one mile from the enemy's front. Our 
men were permitted to lie quietly behind their stacks of arms, 
in rear of the works, until 4 P. M. At this time, discovering 
the enemy in line, supposed to be about one Brigade in 
strength, General Geary, commanding the Division, placed 
four guns in position, which opened on the rebels, and drove 
them from sight. The fire, however, was returned, and some 
of the cannoniers, having been wounded, were replaced by men 
from the 60th, who understood artillery practice. About 5 
o'clock, all was quiet on that part of the line, and remained so 
until 7 o'clock, when the rebel infantry advanced in force ; 
our skirmishers falling back, unmasked our line, which opened 
upon the enemy, at close range, a most destructive fire for 
about four hours. The fire of the enemy being somewhat 
slackened, a portion of the regiment was ordered forward. 
The men eagerly leaped the works and surrounded fifty-six of 
the enemy, including two officers, whom they brought in as 
prisoners. They also captured a Brigade battle-flag, said to 
belong to Jones' Brigade, and one regimental banner, which, 
as we learn from one of our prisoners, was a present from the 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 261 

ladies of the district in which the companies were organized. 
Seven rebel officers we found dead on the ground covered by 
the colors and guard. The capture of these flags and prisoners 
shows how desperate a defence our men made. The effects of 
our fire were so terrible that the flags were abandoned, and 
the prisoners were afraid to either advance or retreat. The 
color-bearers were both killed. One of them had advanced 
within twenty paces of our breastworks. The officers and 
men, on the arrival of these trophies, were greatly cjieered 
and encouraged. They felt as though they had done a good 
thing. 

The ammunition had to be replenished several times, which 
was promptly done. The regiment was not entirely out of 
ammunition but once. On the discovery of this fact, Colonel 
Godard ordered them to fix bayonets, which they did, and in 
that position waited until they were again supplied. 

Great coolness was displayed by both officers and men. Our 
loss, during this night's action, was nine men killed, and six- 
teen wounded. About midnight the firing almost ceased, ex- 
cept by sharpshooters and skirmishers — which was kept up 
until daylight — when we were enabled to discover large num- 
bers of the rebel dead within fifty feet of our line. The regi- 
ment, in the action, consisted of Colonel Godard, commanding 
regiment. Lieutenant Nolen, Acting Adjutant, 16 line officers, 
and 255 enlisted men. Lieutenant-Colonel lledington was 
Brigade officer of the day on the 2d ; but did not, after the 
pickets and skirmishers came in, report to the regiment as he 
should have done, and consequently did not take part in the 
action. Irregular picket-firing continued until 4 A. M., 
on the 3d, when the enemy again advanced, and heavy firing 
opened on both sides, and continued until 10^ A. M., the 
enemy being steadily held in check, at which time they re- 
tired, leaving only sharpshooters, who kept up an irregular 
fire during the day. At 2 P. M., the regiment was relieved 
for an hour, when they again returned to the entrenchments, 



262 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

and remained until 2 A. M., July 4tli. During the battle, 
on the 3d, we lost two enlisted men killed, and nineteen 
wounded, and two lieutenants : Lieutenant Stanly, severely 
through the head, which proved fatal on the 7th day of July, 
and Lieutenant B. T. Bordwell, (formerly Quartermaster-Ser- 
geant,) through the foct, from which he has not yet (Septem- 
ber 1st) recovered. 

The 60th, it will be observed, was on the extreme left of 
the 12th Corps, and joining on the right of the 1st Corps. 
The flags were properly inscribed with the record of capture, 
and forwarded to headquarters. It may not be inappropriate 
to speak of the 3d Brigade, of which the 60th forms a part, 
commanded by General George S. Greene, and the honorable 
part it performed at the battle of Gettysburg. The universal 
praise awarded it is justly due. The credit cannot be subdi- 
vided. The regiments comprising it are the 60th, 78th, 102d, 
137th, and the 149th, New York Volunteers, containing within 
their organizations as good and sound men as ever the Empire 
State sent to the war. This Brigade was on the left of the 
12th Corps. The 2d Brigade of the 2d Division was on our 
right. Thrown forward, at a right angle, on the crest, of a hill 
in front, was a heavy growth of timber, freed from under- 
growth, with, occasionally, ledges of rocks. These afforded a 
good cover for marksmen. The first duty, after getting into 
position, was to entrench, which, by noon on the 2d, was suc- 
cessfully accomplished ; having constructed a breastwork of 
such material as was found convenient — earth, stone, and 
logs. This work subsequently proved of great service, as by 
its assistance a vastly superior force was kept in check. At 
about 6i P. M., the 12th Corps was withdrawn from the hne 
for some purpose, and General Greene directed to occupy the 
whole front of the corps with the 3d Brigade, which order he 
was attempting to carry out, and had placed the 137th New 
York in the trenches occupied by the 2d Brigade, when the 
whole line was attacked. This was at about 7 o'clock. At 8 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 263 

o'clock the enemy succeeded in gaining the entrenchments on 
the right, in the portion of the line formerly occupied by the 
1st (General Williams') Division, which was nearly perpen- 
dicular to the line of the 2d Brigade, now occupied by the 
lo7th. The enemy attacked our right flank, while also at- 
tacking in front. This necessitated the changing of the front 
of the 137th, which was successfully done under fire. Four 
separate and distinct charges were made on our line before 9 J 
o'ciock. which were eifectually resisted. The situation be- 
coming critical, one regiment was sent to its support, which 
was placed on our right, (^' The California Regiment,") but 
was soon withdrawn, leaving the right, as before, very much 
exposed. Subserjuently, reinforcements were received from 
General Wadsworth's Division of the 1st Corps, and from the 
11th Corps — about 350 men from the former, and 400 from 
, the latter — who rendered important aid, relieving the men, so 
that they could clean their guns, and replenish their cartridge- 
boxes, which they had entirely relieved of ammunition. At 
the close of the attack the Brigade held its position. At l^- 
A. M., on the 3d, the right was reinforced by the return of the 
1st Brigade of the 2d Division, who took position in support 
of the right of the 3d Brigade. Artillery was placed in posi- 
tion to attack that portion of the rebel forces then occupying 
our entrenchments on the right; and at 4 A.M. opened on 
them, and the attack was general on our whole line, lasting 
until lOJ o'clock, when the enemy was driven back ; all re- 
tiring, except their pickets. During this attack the fire was 
kept up constantly and efficiently along the whole line. The 
enemy having been early driven from the trenches, they were 
again occupied by the 2d Brigade, and the 1st Division. 

The men were relieved occasionally by others, with a fresh 
supply of ammunition and clean arms. The relief going for- 
ward at the double quick with cheers, and the troops relieved 
Falling back through their files, when they arrived in the 



264 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBUR(J. 

trenches. The men, by this means, were comparatively fresh, , 
and their arms in good order. 

Captain A. B. Shipman served on the General's staff as au i 
Inspector-General, and Lieutenant C. T. Green as Aid-de-- 
Camp. The Brigade contained about 1300 men. The lossi 
of the enemy greatly exceeded ours. We found, after the; 
action in our front, of their dead 391, and there were, across; 
the creek, a number of dead, estimated at 150, making a total! 
of 541. We picked up 2000 muskets, of which at least 1700 >: 
must have belonged to the enemy, showing clearly a loss, on^ 
their part, of killed, wounded, and missing, in addition to those' 
who may have carried their arms off the field, estimated ati 
500, and, including 130 prisoners captured, of 2400 men. 
Their loss in officers was heavy. The troops opposed to uS' 
proved to be Johnson's Division, of Ewell's Corps, in the night 
attack of the 2d; and the same Division, reinforced by 
Hhodes' Brigade, on the 3d. General Johnson's Assistant 1 
Adjutant-General was killed, and left on the field. 
Casualties were as follows : 

Officers killed 6 Enlisted Men 56 

" Wounded, 10 " '^ 203 

" Missing, 1 " " 31 



Total 17 Total 290 

Total killed, wounded, and missing, 307. 

The 2d Division (General Geary) did well, and the 1st 
Division (General WiUiams') maintained its reputation ; and, 
in fact, the 12th Corps, individually and collectively, per- 
formed a duty that entitles them all to the lasting gratitude 
of the nation. All performed their part nobly, and, animated 
by one common feeling of patriotism and brotherhood, vied 
with each other in deeds of valor, in vindication of our glori- 
ous nationality, which is dearer to them than life — made 
doubly dear by the sacrifices already made for it, increasing 
their attachment to that dear old flag, the emblem of our 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 265 

country's freedom, independence, and greatness, attained 
under it. 

The apparently victorious invasion of Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania, by General Lee and his rebel hordes, occasioned the 
greatest alarm in the vicinity of his route, and filled the whole 
country with the most serious apprehension. I may say the 
country was paralyzed with fear at this powerful but sudden 
demonstration ; but not so with the glorious " Old Army of 
the Potomac." They felt strong in a mighty purpose — to 
subdue and humble the proud and haughty invader, whom 
they had met under so many disadvantages in his strongholds 
— where reverses had been experienced. They felt that the 
tide in their affairs was changing, and that in the impending 
battle they would be successful. That Lee, venturing so 
much, would lose all. Former delays and reverses but stimu- 
lated their determination to win this time. They felt that 
they had never been beaten, that the real strength of the 
army had not been tested. Their great anxiety, therefore, 
was for a General, who would so place them as to bring out 
their strength, and test their courage. Providence answered 
the desire of their hearts, and gave them a commander who 
led them as they desired, although they knew him not. 

General Meade, a comparative stranger to all except his 
own Corps, led the Army of the Potomac to the first decided 
victory it ever achieved. This against vastly superior num- 
bers, under command of the most skilful and accomplished 
General who has ever drawn his sword in the cause of the 
unholy rebellion, and within eight days after assuming com- 
mand of the army while in motion and en route to Pennsyl- 
vania to attack the enemy. The result of this battle most 
clearly demonstrates the fact that the soldiers of this army are 
self-reliant, having their confidence placed in the cause they 
have espoused, the ultimate triumph of the right, and their 
ability to maintain both. This is what makes them obedient 
to proper authority, and ready to do their duty, whoever may 
23 



266 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

command. It does not need a special favorite General, as i 
many foolishly and ignorantly declare, to inspire them to deeds 
of valor. They will fight under any and all circumstances to ; 
vindicate their national honor — ^and, when properly led, wini 
victories. 

July 5th. It having been ascertained that the rebels had 1 
fallen back towards Williamsport, Md., we took up our line of 
march in that direction, by way of Frederick City. We ar- 
rived at Littletown about 4 P. M., encamped for the night and 
received rations ; and, at an early hour on the 6th, moved on 
until we arrived at Woodsborough, where we halted for the 
nis-ht. 

o 

July 7th. Moved to Frederick City, where the train moving 
from "Westminster, had preceded us. The weather began to 
get bad, but, as we were in pursuit of the enemy, we were 
compelled to keep moving. We pursued through Frederick, 
and moved up towards Middletown, on the pike, about one 
mile and a half, where we halted until noon, when we filed off 
to the left, crossing the fields to the Harper's Ferry road. 
Here we passed a man hanging by the neck to an oak tree j 
and, upon inquiring, learned that he was one Richardson, who 
had been convicted as a Spy, and hung the day before. He 
had been through all our camps as a book and map peddler, 
for nearly a year, and had, undoubtedly furnished the enemy 
a great deal of information. He was, when detected, pre- 
paring to lead the enemy's cavalry upon our train, whose loca- 
tion he had learned — its detachment from the army, and the 
smallness of its guard. He had on his person the most con- 
clusive testimony of his guilt. It was said, but I do not know 
with how much truth, the order condemning him to be thus 
executed, ordered that he should remain suspended for three 
days, and should any friend, during that time, attempt to cut 
him down, he should be hung in his place. I learned that 
after the three days, he was buried, uncoffined, under the 
tree upon which he was suspended. Thus may they all perish 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 267 

who, while they pretend to be the friends of the Government, 
seek, with unholy hands, to destroy it ! 

We moved on towards Harper's Ferry as far as Jefferson, 
when we turned northward towards Burkittsville, and en- 
camped about one mile north of Jefferson. 

On the 8th, we moved on past Burkittsville, crossing South 
Mountain at Crampton's Pass, and encamped at night near 
Rohersville. The train was ordered to halt on the south side 
of the mountain, and did not subsequently move any further 
in that direction. On the 9th, we moved by way of Boons- 
boro', to within two miles of Fairplay, where we spent the day 
entrenching, but, on the next morning, moved on to Fairplay, 
and again entrenched ourselves, expecting to have a brush 
with Lee. Every preparation was made for a desperate, con- 
flict. The enemy strongly entrenched themselves, having 
selected their position and thrown up defences. While Gen. 
Meade was bringing up his reinforcements within supporting 
distance, and ascertaining the situation of the enemy, General 
Lee was preparing to cross the river, having improvised a 
bridge, and just the night before the advance of our line was 
ordered, succeeded in recrossing the river in comparative 
safety, losing only 1500 of his rear-guard at Falling Waters. 
Our soldiers were very much chagrined at the enemy's escape. 

On the 12th, your friend Charlie arrived from his home in 
the West, and, on the 13th, Adjutant Lester S. Willson re- 
turned, although not fit for duty, but anxious to join in the 
expected battle; and, instead of remaining with the train, 
pushed on to Boonsboro' and Fairplay. This morning, the 
rebels were discovered to be retreating, when the cavalry 
pushed forward to Williamsport and Falling Waters, capturing 
a portion of their rear-guard, as before mentioned. The 12th 
Corps then retraced its steps to Rohersville, and then moved 
to Sandy Hook, by way of Harper'^ Ferry, arriving there on 
the morning of the 15th. 

We remained here to rest the men and recruit the animals, 



268 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

and for the purpose of supplying the command with clothing, 
until the morning of the 18th, when we again resumed our 
march. 

That morning, Lieutenant-Colonel J. C. 0. Redington left 
the command, having tendered his resignation on the 7th. Its 
acceptance was heartily recommended by intermediate com- 
manders. The Corps commander. General Slocum, accepted 
it, and it was returned, through the proper channels, on the 
morning of the 18th, and he became a civilian, no doubt to his 
entire satisfaction, and with no detriment to the service, nor 
feeling of regret on the part of the regiment. It may be here 
remarked that the necessities of the time made it impossible to 
make the best selections for positions in the army. All 
coming from civil life, and without having their attention 
turned in a military direction, have accepted men as comman- 
ders who have been entirely unfitted for the positions which 
they sought, and not unfrequently obtained. It is only by a 
protracted war that men can be properly educated in its arts. 

We crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge just above 
the railroad bridge at Harper's Ferry, and also the Shenan- 
doah river on a wire bridge, moving around the Loudon 
Heights and up the Loudon valley, arriving and encamping 
for the night within about three miles of Hillsborough." 
Harper's Ferry seemed almost deserted of its inhabitants, 
they having left when the place was evacuated by General 
French's command. In the afternoon, foraging parties were 
sent out with a strong guard, for the purpose of getting all 
the serviceable horses in the vicinity of the encampment. A 
considerable number was thus received, which were turned 
into the Quartermaster's Department. The 19th, we moved 
early in the morning, turning off to the right, taking what is 
called the mountain road, along the base of the Blue Ridge, 
to Snickerville, opposite Snicker's Gap, where we arrived be- 
fore dark, — a distance of fifteen miles; the last five miles 
was on the Winchester and Leesburg Turnpike. This re- 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 269 

gion was, to a large extent, infested with guerillas, who were 
watching our movements, picking up stragglers, and capturing 
any stray wagons or sutlers' trains that might be accidentally 
left behind. Strict orders were therefore issued against strag- 
gling, foraging, etc. Kemained at this place during the 20th, 
when, finding our presence not needed, we again moved, on 
the 2]st, toward Ashby's Gap, the rebel forces having moved 
up the Shenandoah Valley, and threatening to force the Blue 
Ridge at some point not known to our Commanding Gene- 
rals. We arrived at Paris, which is situated just south of 
Ashby's Gap, at about four o'clock, having marched nearly 
twenty miles. Finding that the enemy had moved still far- 
ther up the valley, at five, P. M., we again moved, reaching 
Markham Station, on the Manassas Gap railroad. On the 
22d, the troops were pushed rapidly forward, accompanied 
only by the ambulances and ammunition train, in anticipation 
of a battle with the enemy ; a part of the 3d Corps having 
been engaged the night before at what is called Wapping 
Heights. The enemy were driven from the Heights with 
great loss in men ; and a large number of cattle and sheep 
fell into our hands. Puring the night, however, the enemy 
fell back, and. move^ on through Front Royal. The Getieral, 
finding that they had again escaped, changed direction and 
moved towards Rectortown, arriving at Thoroughfare Gap on 
the night of the 28d, having passed through White Plains. 

The 24th, continued our march by way of Haymarket, 
which is now in ruins, to the Alexandria and Warrenton 
Pike, when we bore to the right, and moved, by way of Cat- 
lett's Station, to Warrenton Junction, where we arrived about 
sunset. The men were permitted to remain here and rest 
until the 31st. While here, they were again supplied with 
clothing, and received full rations. Major Thomas d-eturned 
to us while, here, and Charlie left again for home. On 
the 31st, we moved, by way of Morrisville, to Ellis' Ford, on 
the Rappahannock River, about five miles below Kelly's Ford, 
23* 



270 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTSYBURQ. 

and ten miles below Kappahannoek Station, and arrived at the 
point of destination at twelve, midnight. 

Nothing of special importance transpired during the month 
of August outside of camp duty and picketing along the 
river : the enemy doing the same on the opposite side. This 
country being almost destitute of hay or grass, it was almost 
impossible to procure a sufficient quantity of that kind of 
forage to keep the animals from suffering. There was some 
on the other side, which the Quartermasters watched with 
jealous eyes, and unavailingly, for a long time, endeavored to 
obtain permission to cross the river and take it ; the rebs, 
at the same time, having all they needed, coming without fear 
of molestation, even calling to our men on this side to " fall 
in for rations of hay." At length General Geary, command- 
ing Division, gave permission, and planting two pieces of ar- 
tillery commanding the meadows and barns on the other side, 
ordered the 78th across, with the 60th as a reserve. The 78th 
crossed in a scow, and immediately deployed as skirmishers, 
and moved about half a mile from the river, covering the 
field containing the hay. The rebel pickets, as soon as they 
discovered the attempt to cross, fired their carbines at the 
Lieutenant-Colonel in command of the 78th, mounted their 
horses, and fled to the woods beyond, probably a mile distant. 
The Quartermasters, and the teamsters, and the extra-duty- 
men in the Q. M. Department, mounted on horses and 
mules, forded the river, and rushing for the field and barns, 
tied up large bundles, and, putting them on the backs of their 
animals, recrossed the river with their loads, and again 
crossed, until the whole amount was brought over, besides 
capturing ten head of beef cattle and three horses. The re- 
call was sounded, when the entire force of Quartermasters, 
' etc., with the 78th, recrossed with safety. There were, how- 
ever, two butchers who, espying some cattle just on the edge 
of the woods beyond, remained behind ; and, not hearing the 
bugle, were attempting to drive the cattle towards the ford, 






CHANCELLORSVILLE AND QETTYSBURQ. 271 

when they were charged upon by a squad of rebel cavalry, 
who fired several shots at them. The butchers, being un- 
armed, fled towards the ford, pursued by the rebs, who called 
upon them to halt and dismount, which they disregarded 
until they came to a gate, near the barn, which was so fast- 
ened that they could not open it in time to escape; so they 
dismounted, jumped the fence, and, their pursuers being un- 
able to jump the fence with their horses, gave up the chase, 
capturing, of course, the two horses. It created a good deal 
of excitement on this side, as the whole transaction took place 
in an open field in plain view. 

At this date, (September 1st,) the health of the regiment 
is good, the spirits of the men never better. The men seem 
contented, and the only real complaint made by them is 
against those at home, who, if they do not really sympathize 
with the rebels, give them aid and comfort, by resistance to 
the draft, discouraging enlistments, and talking of compro- 
mising with the insurgents in arms. The fire of patriotism 
burns as brightly in their bosoms to-day as at any former 
period. The regiment may well feel proud of its labors, and 
the honorable part performed by it during the war, thus far, 
and it will continue, as heretofore, to give a hearty and will- 
ing support to the Grovernment ; not as eye-servants and time- 
servers, but as true patriots, desiring nothing so much as an 
honorable peace, and, with it, the glory and honor of the 
country. 

Fraternally and afiectionately, yours, 

E. A. MEERITT. 

To the above I wish to add the following : 

On the 20th of February, Lieutenant-Colonel Redington 
placed Captain J. H. Jones in arrest, on the following 
charges : 

I. Disobedience of orders. 



272 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

II. Disrespectful and contemptuous conduct towards his 
commanding officer. 

III. Conduct subversive of good order and discipline, tend- 
ing to mutiny. 

IV. Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. 

The limits of confinement, while in arrest, were the regi- 
mental camp, and a circular line about it sufficient for 
exercise. 

While in this limbo, Captain Jones preferred a much longer 
list of charges against the Lieutenant-Colonel. I have no copy 
of them, but understand that some eight or ten things were 
specified, among which was incapacity, and making false 
reports to his superior officers. 

A sort of Kilkenny cat fight was generally anticipated, if 
the parties should be brought to trial ; but as Jones was a 
preacher, and Redington was the son of one, it providentially 
happened that a brother glergyman appeared on the scene be- 
fore the trials were ordered, and, through his influence, mu- 
tual confessions were made, and a prayer-meeting quashed the 
proceedings ! 

The State authorities in Albany asked for a list of those 
who had distinguished themselves for bravery and general 
efficiency, that their names might be entered on a KoU of 
Honor then being made up. 

The Lieutenant-Colonel, under date of March 7th, sent the 
following list ; 

Lieutenant Hobart, Co. " C." 
Sergeant James C. Fitch, Co. "A." 
Sergeant C. S. Cummings, Co. " B." 
Sergeant W. S. Gourley, Co. « C." 
Private Richard Taylor, Co. "D." 
Sergeant A. N. Skiff, Co. " E." 
Private Benjamin Preno, Co. " H.'' 

Some of these were really deserving all the honors that 
could thus be given; others had no claim whatever, except 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 273 

that they belonged, with the commanding officer, to a mutual 
tickling society ! while a score of brave men were passed by 
unnoticed. 

A number of the proceedings in those days were very sin- 
gular. Captain Robertson was arrested, and placed in close 
confinement, but no charges were sent up against him. Gene- 
ral Grreene sent several verbal messages to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Redington that charges must be made out, or Captain Robert- 
son should be ordered to duty. No attention being paid to ^ 
these, the General sent a written order, fixing a time, on the 
expiration of which, if no charges were sent up, he should 
order the release of the prisoner. When the time came round 
the order for release came with it, and was obeyed. 

It must have been at, or near this time, I think, that the 
Lieutenant-Colonel, in response to a request from Albany, for 
flags worn out in the service, sent our State banner, which 
never was carried into battle, but, long before we went into 
any engagement, had been battered to pieces by the winds and 
storms, to that city as a relic of the war. Colonel James has 
furnished me with a pamphlet describing the ceremonies at 
the Capital on the presentation of this and other flags to the 
Legislature, and in that I find the following on page 20 : 

"COLORS OF THE 60TH REGIMENT, N.Y. S.V. 

** This regiment, known as * The Ogdensburqh Regiment,' was 
originally commanded by Colonel Wm. B. Hayward, who soon 
after resigned, and was raised in St. Lawrence County, com- 
prising, at date of departure, November 4th, 1861, 1000 men. 

*' Lieutenant-Colonel J. C. 0. Redington is now in command of 
this regiment, which, at present, numbers about 600 men. It 
has participated in the battle of Cedar Mountain, where 30 men 
were killed, and 73 wounded. Four of the Color Guard were 
shot down on the field while bearing their colors. The regiment 
held the field until their ammunition was exhausted, the men 
using the cartridges and guns of the dead and wounded. The 
regiment was commanded here by Major J. E. Lane. This regi- 



274 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

ment participated in the battles of the last Bull Run, Sulphur 
Springs, and Antietam, in which it lost 63 in killed and 
wounded. 

" Lieutenant-Colonel J. C. 0. Redington transmits the banner, 
to be deposited with the State." 

There is very little truth, but a great many errors, in the 
above. The 60th never was known as "The Ogdensburgh 
Regiment," but in Adjutant-General Hillhouse's Report for 

^ 1862, p. 548, is called "The First St. Lawrence County Regi- 
ment." We did not have anything to do with the battle of 

' Cedar Mountain, being, at the time of that fight, at Sulphur 
Springs, fighting the typhus fever ; a much more unmanage- 
able foe than the rebels have proved to be. Major J. E. Lane 
never, for one moment, had command of us. Our wagons 
drew ammunition to the field at " the last Bull Run battle," 
and that is all the part we had in that. At "Sulphur 
Springs" we had, under circumstances mentioned in Chapter 
X., one man wounded. At Antietam, as stated in Chapter 
XL, we lost, in killed and wounded, 22. 

LIST OF CASUALTIES AT THE BATTLE OF CHANCEL- 
LORSVILLE, THIRD OF MAY, 1863. 

Major W. M. Thomas, slightly in left hand. 
Adjutant Lester S. Willson, wounded in thigh. 

COMPANY "A." 

Corporal Samuel C. Haskell, killed. 

Private Lewis Leguea, killed. 

Sergeant Michael Crowley, wounded severely in knee. 

Private Elliott A. Bissell, missing. 

Private Winfield S. Carpenter, missing. 

COMPANY " B." 

Corporal John H. Loan, wounded. 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 275 

Private Daniel Graves, wounded. 

Private George Demmons, wounded. ' 

Private George Wells, wounded. 

Sergeant A. J). Lawyer, missing, . 

Corporal Martin Kussell, " 

Private John Duncan, " 

Private Lutlier Peck, " 

COMPANY "C." 

Corporal Sylvanus Backus, wounded. 
Private Sylvanus Corbyn, " 
Private John R. Crawford, " 
Private Lyman D. McDaid, " 
Private Norman Vroman, " 

Private George Webber, " 

COMPANY "D.'^ 

Private Sylvester Tupper, killed. 

Private Wesley Oliver, " 

Corporal Julius Palmer, wounded slightly. 

COMPANY *^E." 
Private John Mooney, killed. 

Sergeant James 0. Raymond, wounded, leg amputated. 
Private Frank Wood, severely in arm. 
Private H. M. Chase, dangerously in hip. 
Private George H. Davenport, severely in arm. 
Private Frank Gonia, " in head. 

COMPANY "r." 
Private Wm. P. Hulitt, killed. 
Captain Thomas Elliott, wounded slightly. ' 
Sergeant Lewis Carnithan, " severely. 
Corporal R. J. Fredenburgh, " " 

" E. R. Turner, « slightly. 

" James Conklin, " " 



276 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURO- 



Corporal Henry Stewart, 


wounded slightly. 


" James Chilton, 


a 


(( 


Private George Radigan, 


(I 


mortally. 


" George Sayres, 


iC 


slightly. 


" George Stewart, 


iC 


a 


Sergeant J. R. Fiefield, missing. 




Private James Chambers 


» 





COMPANY ^'G.' 

Private John McNamarra, killed. 
Sergeant Andrew J. Loomis, wounded. 

COMPANY "H." 

Private Lester M. Bond, killed. 
Sergeant Henry Myers, wounded slightly. 

" P. H. Brockway, " " 

Corporal George Ploof, " severely. 
Private David Nichols, " " 

" Benjamin Preno, missing. 

" Joseph Stone, " 

COMPANY "I." 

Sergeant Charles M. Gray, wounded slightly in hand. 
Private Lewis C. Griffin, wounded in hip. 

" Palmer Hartson, " ankle. 

" Chauncey 0. Pease, missing. 

" Charles E. Waist, " 



COMPANY "K." 

Sergeant Martin H. Haywood, mortally wounded. 
Corporal John D. Stevens, wounded. 
Private James L. Conklin, " 
Corporal Henry A. Parker, missing. 

Total killed, wounded, and missing, 61. 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 277 

LIST OF CASUALTIES AT GETTYSBURG, PA., ON THE 
SECOND AND THIRD DAIS OF JULY, 1863. 

COxMPANY "A." 

2d Lieut. Byron T. Bordwell, wounded severely in foot. 

Corp. Philo Stevenson, killed. 

Private M. K. Balcome, wounded slightly in hand. 

" E. L. Crane, " " hip. 

" Peter Gebo, " " hand. 

" Orin Shepard, wounded severely in hip, (since died.) 

COMPANY ^^B.'^ V 

Serg. Daniel Corbett, killed. 

Private Wm. Johnson, wounded mortally. 

" Frank Shappie, '' . severely in neck. 

" Wright Works, " " face. 

COMPANY "C." 

Private Edwin Van Tasselle, killed. 

Corp. J. A. Lasalle, wounded. 

Private John Norton, " severely in head. 



Serg. Wm. W. Clark, wounded severely in breast. 

" Jos. Stevenson, " slightly in arm. 

Corp. Milo Furgerson, " " hand. 

" Solomon Knapp, " " leg. 

Private Donald Brown, " " hand. 

" Horace Barnes, " " " 

" Geo. W. Clark, " '' face. 

COMPANY "E." 

1st Lieut. M. D. Stanley, wounded mortally in head. 
Corp. A. H. Wilcox, " slightly in hand. 

Private George Chaney, " *' hip. 

^' Joseph Green 0, " severely in both wrists. 
24 



278 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

Private Barnard Moran, wounded slightly in leg. 
" Michael Shernden, " " face. 

" Geo. Washburn, " severely in shoulder. 
" Stephen Collins, " slightly in shoulder. 

COMPANY "F." 

Private Hannibal Downs, killed. 

" Charles Santo, wounded severely in leg. 
" Henry Havens, " slightly in wrist. 

COMPANY "G." 

Corp. William Miller, killed. 

Private Hiram Meade, " 

Corp. Henry McDowell, wounded severely in face. 

Private Wm. Keenan, " " *^ 

" George Grant, " " left arm. 

COMPANY "h." 

Private Philetus Ayres, killed. 

" John Pickle, wounded severely in left shoulder. 
1st Serg. Patrick H. Brockway, wounded slightly. 

COMPANY "I." 

Sergeant Charles M. Gray, killed. 
Corp. Peter McDonald, " 

" Amasa A. Lockwood, " 
Private Wm. Murphy, " 

" Bateman Fiske, wounded severely in both hands. 

" Philo Sheldon, " slightly in face. 

COMPANY "K." 

Corporal John Stewart, wounded slightly in finger. 
Private Chas. Aldous " severely in head. 

" Jos. Chapins, " " arm. 

" Dan'l Chambers, " " head. 

" Alphonzo Daniels, " slightly in hip. 
Total killed and wounded, 50. 

LESTER S. WILLSON, Adjutant. 



CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 279 

RESIGNATIONS AND DISCHARGES OF OFFICERS SUB- 
SEQUENT TO FEB. 20. 

2d Lieut. John Dundon, Co. " G," Acquia Creek, Va., 21st 
February, 1863. 

1st Lieut. M. L. Fitch, Co. " H," Acquia Creek, Ya., 21st. 
February, 1863. 

2d Lieut. John Ingram, Co. " H," Acquia Creek, Ya., 21st 
♦February, 1863. 

2d Lieut. Charles H. Houghton, Co. " Bj" Acquia Creek, 
Ya., 4th March, 1863. 

1st Lieut. Edward A. Rich, Co. " K," Acquia Creek, Ya., 
4th March, 1863. 

2d Lieut. Stephen Adams, Co. " D," Acquia Creek, Ya., 
22d April, 1863. 

2d Lieut. Geo. M. Eastman, Co. " C," Acquia Creek, Ya., 
12th April, 1863. 

Captain Duncan M. Robert-son, Co. ^'A," Acquia Creek, 
Ya., 30th May, 1863. 

Captain Yolney M. Carter, Co. " D," Acquia Creek, Ya., 
30th May, 1863. 

Lieut. -Colonel J. C. 0. Redington, Sandy Hook, Md., 18th 
July, 1863. 

Assistant-Surgeon Wm. B. Chambers, mustered out 4th 
March, 1863, to receive promotion. 

1st Lieut. Henry Farrell discharged for disability, at Wash- 
ington, D. C, 17th July, 1863. 

LIST OF APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS. 

NOTICE RECEIVED SINCE FEB. 20. 

1st Sergt. Wm. H. Fitch, to be 1st Lieutenant, Feb. 14th, 
Vice N. M. Dickinson, resigned. 

Sergeant-Major Henry Farrell, to be 1st Lieutenant, Jan. 
29th, vice J. Hurst, resigned. 

Private 5th Yol., Edward Sinclair, to be 2d Lieutenant, 
March 4th, vice H. Q. Reynolds, deceased. 



280 CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG. 

Q. M. Sergeant Byron T. Bordwell, to be 2d Lieutenant, 
Feb. 21st, vice J. Dun don, resigned. 

Hospital-Steward Gr. G. Cornish, to be 1st Lieutenant, Feb. 
2lRt, vice M. L. Fitch, resigned. 

Smith H. Mapes, to be Assistant-Surgeon, June 13th, vice 
Wm. B. Chambers, promoted. 

1st Lieut. M. Nolan, to be Captain, May 30th, vice D. M. 
Robertson, resigned. ' ^ 

1st Lieut. Wm. H. Fitch, to be Captain, May 30th, vice 
V. M. Carter, resigned. 

2d Lieut. Chas. T. Greene, to be 1st Lieutenant, May 30th, 
vice M. Nolan, promoted. 

2d Lieut. James E. Kelsey, to be 1st Lieutenant, March 
4th, vice E. A. Rich, resigned. 

1st Sergeant John E. Willson, to be 2d Lieutenant, April 
12th, vice G. M. Eastman, resigned. 

1st Serg. Lewis Carnithan, to be 1st Lieutenant, Feb. 29th, 
vice J. Delaney, promoted. 

1st Serg. Denis G. Seely, to be 2d Lieutenant, Jan. 30th, 
vice L. Clark, resigned. 

1st Serg. James Brown, to be 2d Lieutenant, May 30th, 
vice C. T. Greene, promoted. 

1st Serg. Loren W. Tuller, to be 2d Lieutenant, March 
15th, vice J. E. Kelsey, promoted. 

The last nine have received their commissions, but have 
not yet (Sept. 1st, 1863,) been mustered into their new posi- 
tions, on account of the small number of men now in the regi- 
ment; also. Lieutenant Sinclair (brother of Captain P. S. 
Sinclair) stands in the same position. 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 281 



XVIII. 

GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

Shortly after the 1st of September, the regiment moved to 
Kaccoon Ford, on the Rapidan, in Culpepper County, and was 
there, doing picket duty, some two or three weeks. 

On the night of their arrival, or shortly after, Kilpatrick's 
cavalry having been out on a reconnoissance, came in, and 
without orders or warning, discharged their loaded arms, pro- 
ducing a great alarm and commotion. The long roll was beat, 
and the troops formed, in momentary expectation of an attack, 
much to the disturbance and fright of a large number of con- 
scripts who had that day arrived. 

Until about the middle of the month, nothing worthy of 
special note transpired to break the routine of camp life; but 
at that time the regiment felt called upon to take action in 
rebuke of a trick then being played on the Army of the Poto- 
mac for political effect. 

General George B. McClellan, who was only removed from" 
his command after the more than paternal forbearance of Pres- 
ident Lincoln, had placed himself in the hands of men no- 
toriously unscrupulous in their opposition to the Administra- 
tion, and as notoriously bent on aiding the rebels to secure a 
peace on terms dishonorable to the loyal people of the Union. 
These copperhead enemies of the country, wishing to turn 
McClellan's disgrace into a censure on the President and his 
Constitutional advisers, as well as to give him hereafter a 
political prominence that should enable him to work great 
24- 



282 GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

mischietj issued and circulated in the Army of the Potomac, 
the following anonymous paper : 

CIRCULAR. 

It having been proposed by many officers of this army to present 
to Major-General McClellan some mark of their respect, which 
should serve as a memorial of the relations which have existed 
between them, it has been suggested that the privilege of joining 
be extended to the whole army, as an evidence that the warm 
feeling which he has ever borne towards it is fully reciprocated 
by both officers and men ; and, in order that all may unite in 
this object, that it take the form of a testimonial from the "Army 
of the Potomac'' to its old Commander. 

That all may participate, it is proposed that the subscriptions 
be limited as follows : 

Rank and File, each Ten cents. 

Sergeants, " Twenty-five cents. 

Lieutenants, " One dollar. 

Captains, " One dollar and fifty cents. 

Lieut.-Colonels and Majors, " Three dollars. 

Colonels, " Five dollars. 

Brigadier-Generals, ** Ten dollars. 

Major-Generals, " Twenty dollars. 

That one of the Stafi" Officers at general headquarters, and one 
at the headquarters of each regiment, brigade, division, corps, 
and separate command, receive the contributions, and deposit 
the amount, with lists of the contributors, at corps headquarters. 

A b(^ok containing the names of all who contribute will be 
•prepared, and presented to General McClellan as part of the 
testimonial. 

Arrangements will be made to enable the absent, sick, and 
wounded, and all others not present with the army, but who 
now belong or have belonged to it, to contribute. 

It is expected that in each command with the army in the 
field, the necessary measures will be taken to secure to the sick 
in hospitals, or those temporarily absent from their commands, 
the opportunity of adding their names to the lists, before they 
are sent in. 

It is proposed that an officer be designated at each corps head- 



I 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 283 

quarters and one from general headquarters, these with power 
to add, not exceeding five, as a committee to their numbers, to 
decide upon the nature of the testimonial, and to make the ne- 
cessary arrangements for pix)curing and presenting it as soon as 
the contributions are received. 

The animus of this thing was apparent to the intelligent and 
loyal men of the 60th, and they appointed a committee to 
draw up an expression of their views. The unanimity of feel- 
ing is obvious from the following 

REPORT OE A COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS, 

Appointed by the ofiicers of the 60th Regiment New York State 
Volunteers, to consider a printed circular now in circulation 
in>.said regiment, and in all the camps of the Army of the 
Potomac, having for its object the raising of funds with which 
to purchase a present or memorial for Major-General George 
B. McClellan. 

AVhereas the circular hereunto affixed proposes to present, at 
this auspicious period of our national troubles, a memorial to 
General McClellan, by means raised from the officers and soldiers 
of the Army of the Potomac ; therefore, 

Resolved, That as officers and soldiers of the 60th Regiment 
New York State Volunteers, we deprecate the circulation of any 
anonymous communication, although received through military 
channels, having for its object the particular consideration of any 
General or officer, or any one who is most lauded in the North by 
those who have sought all means by which to disturb the action 
of the nation, and iliis while the National Administration is 
using all constituted authority to overcome the evils which are 
caused by an extensive rebellion, and we consider it prejudicial 
to good order and military discipline, to give a mark of favor to 
any individual who is censured, if not condemned, by the highest 
national authority, — the President of the United States. 

Resolved, That we believe said circular and the memorial which 
it intends is designed not only to pledge those contributing to it 
in a manner that will influence tlieir future action, but also' their 
friends in the North, for the political aggrandizement of General 



284 GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

McClellan, who, we have yet to learn, is deserving of political 
pre-eminence. 

Resolved, That believing history will do justice to the j'eally 
deserving, and the people honor the worthy, we are of the opinion 
that the means now proposed to sustain General McClellan ought 
to be frowned upon by every soldier in the army, and that it 
necessarily implies his need of such an expression to sustain him 
in the estimation of the people. 

Resolved, That designedly we will not further the advance of 
any scheme having for its real ends party dominance or political 
results, or that may furnish a plausible hobby whereby to em- 
barrass the action of the Administration in its purpose of crush- 
ing the rebellion. • 

Resolved, That knowing well the political associates of General 
McClellan, among whom Fitz John Porter is banefully conspicu- 
ous, we can but deem this circular, asking a memorial, an insult 
to both of&cers and soldiers, who, we trust, are most eager to 
furnish means, pecuniary, physical, and mental, to restore, by 
force of arms, the former prestige of our National Government. 

ABEL GODARD, Colonel. 

H. B. AYHITON, Surgeon. 

E. A. MERRITT, Quartermaster. 

AVM. H. FITCH, Captain. 

MICHAEL NOLAN, Captain. 

Committee. 

The foregoing resolutions being submitted to the ofl&cers and 
men of the 60th Regiment, New York Volunteers, were unani- 
mously adopted, and a copy of the same ordered to be sent to the 
Washington Chronicle. 

LESTER S. WILLSON, Adjutant. 
Camp near Raccoon Ford, Rapidan River, Virginia, Sep- 
tember 21, 18G3. 

Thig rebuke was well deserved; and the utterance of it con- 

•fers the highest honor on the men who made it. Public 

attention was thus called to the traitorous intentions of 

McClellan's friends, and the occasion was used to expose his 

own base disloyalty. On inserting the Circular and the Keso- 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 285 

lutions of tlie 60tli in its columns, the " Chronicle" made, 
among other thin 
retired General : 



among other things, the following revelations concerning the 



*'The foUowing are some of the facts, apart entirely from his 
sad failure as a military commander, connected with General 
McClellan's career. Immediately on his retirement to Trenton, 
a committee of eleven Democrats from New York had a long in- 
terview v/ith him, the result of which was that he placed in the 
hands of a banking firm in New York, the name of which is 
known to us, and a partner in which was a member of the depu- 
tation, documents which one of the eleven described as being suf- 
ficient to blow up the Administration at any time they chose to 
use them. Since that time he has never uttered a word in public, 
and it is safe to say not in private either, in favor of the Govern- 
ment under which he still holds his rank, and from which he still 
receives the pay of a major-general, though the opportunities 
have been njauy when a few words of unconditional loyalty from 
him would have been of incalculable service to the cause of the 
Union. Through all the troubles of a Government to which he 
owes so much — of whose substantial favors he is to this hour a 
recipient — and which has shown to him a forbearance, the full 
extent of which the country does not yet know — he has been the 
daily associate of its known and professed enemies." 

The circulation of the Circular was at once stopped, and the 
army thereby saved from a lasting disgrace. 

On the 24th, the 12th Corps was ordered to march imme- 
diately. The 1st Corps relieved them at Raccoon Ford, and 
the 3d Brigade marched that night to near Brandy Station, on 
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, where they bivouacked. 
The next morning the following Orders were promulgated, and 
the regiment marched to Brandy Station, where they expected 

to take cars : 

Headquarters Twelfth Corps, 
General Orders, ) September 25th, 1863. 

, In the contemplated movements of this Corps, Division, Brigade, 
and independent commanders will be held responsible for the 



286 GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

safe conduct of their men. The most stringent measures will be 
taken to prevent desertion and straggling. On the cars, an offi- 
cer will be placed in charge of each train, and a subordinate offi- 
cer in charge of each car, with proper guards at the door, to 
prevent the men from leaving the train. Care will be taken to 
furnish the men with plenty of water before going in the cars. 
It is expected that officers of all grades will accompany and remain 
with their men at all times. 

By command of 

Major-General SLOCUM. 

H. C. RODGERS, A. A. G. 

Headquarters Second Division, Twelfth Corps, 
NEAR Brandy Station, Virginia. 

September 25th, 1863. 
General Orders, "I 
No. 73. i 

The General commanding Division, in urging strict compliance 
with General Orders of this date, from the Major-General com- 
manding the Corps, relative to their transfer from the present 
scene of operations, on the part of all the officers and men of this 
command, enjoins upon them the necessity for preserving now, 
more than ever, the strictest discipline. 

He calls upon them, through all the coming events, to hold in 
remembrance the high position they have attained in the estima- 
tion of their co-operators, in the good cause, of other portions of 
the army, and of their countrymen, by good behavior in ordinary 
camp routine, and by prowess upon many well-fought fields, in- 
dividualizing this command, and carving out for it an undying 
iDright page in our country's history. Let this hard-earned, 
well-bought reputation, which, in the sacred keeping of each in- 
dividual, makes up the enviable aggregate, be sustained through 
every scene about to transpire. Let no overt act, no deviation 
from the guiding rules of good soldiership, tarnish the "White 
Star," which sheds lustre, not only upon all entitled to wear it, 
but has been, and must be, if you be true to yourselves, the bea- 
con to victories, yet to add lustre to that Star's rays, and the 
whole constellation of the Union. 

When in transitu to the destination, where renewed efforts 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 287 

•will be required of you,* do not forget your individual responsi- 
bilities then, and, when mingled with other troops, strive to fur- 
nish them examples of discipline, improved appreciations of the 
soldier's holy mission, and bravery to emulate. 

You can do it — you have done it ! and your commanding officer 
now asks you to look forward, and scorn retrogression. 

The Corps, of which you are part, has, for veteran attributes, 
been selected for a special and responsible trust. 

Tlie high compliment belongs to each and every one of you — 
you will not abuse the unbounded confidence thus placed in jou. 

This order will be read to each company of the command before 
its departure. 

By command of 

Brigadier-General JOHN W. GEARY. 

THOMAS II, ELLIOTT, Captain and A. A. G. 

At Brandy Station, all horses, mules, and wagons, together 
with surplus stores, were turned over to the Depot Quarter- 
master, and the necessary baggage loaded on the cars. The 
regiment, however, marched to Bealton Station, where, after 
waiting two nights for the cars, they embarked on the morn- 
ing of the 28th, and proceeded, without change of train, over 
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad^ via Washington, to Ben- 
wood, on t^ Ohio River, opposite Bell Air, to which place 
they crossed on pontoons and barges. 

The 11th Corps, and also the greater portion of the 12th, 
having preceded them, the rolling stock of the road was all in 
use, and they were compelled to wait twenty-four hours for trans 
portation. Getting under way again on the morning of the 2d 
of October, they proceeded, without change of cars, to Indian- 
apolis, passing through Zanesville, Xenia, and Columbus, 
Ohio, and Richmond, Indiana. Along the entire route they 
were greeted with the warmest enthusiasm, and many a " God 
bless you !" was uttered amid tears of joy that they were on 
the way to reinforce " Old Rosy," as the people called the 
commander of the Cumberland. The inhabitants of all the 
places where the cars stopped long enough to give time for 



288 GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

any expression of feeling, were rejoited at having the oppor- 
tunity of showing their good will, and bountifully supplied 
the soldiers with all the delicacies of the land, refusing all 
compensation therefor, and not allowing any pedlar to ap- 
proach them with anything to sell. At Xenia they received 
especial attentions from the ladies, who, being very attractive, 
by reason of their good looks, made so strong an impression on 
many of the officers that the latter sought to monopolize* their 
"attentions, but were politely told to stand out of the way, as 
they -were determined that the soldiers should have the first 
and the best of their hospitalities. After the men had been 
helped to all they could eat, these ladies made them many 
presents of needle-cases, and such like articles of convenience 
and use. This enthusiastic and generous reception was 
greatly appreciated by the boys. They would have been glad 
to have paid large prices for the delicacies so profusely lav- 
ished upon them, but to receive them gratuitously was as un- 
expected as it was agreeable. 

This passage through Ohio took place just before the 
Gubernatorial election, and, of course, the excitement was 
intense. It gave the people a good opportunity to know what 
the soldiers thought of th^ traitor Vallandigham and his Cop- 
perhead supporters, and, as the following incident will show, 
their opinions could not very well be mistaken. 

At a little station not far from Bell Air, some daring 
scamp, who was on horseback, raised a cheer for Vallandig- 
ham, just as the cars were stopping. This was too much for 
men to endure, who had imbibed the pure Democracy of 8ilas 
Wright, and so springing to the ground, they began to pelt 
the rebel with stones. General Geary heard what was going 
on, and coming to the spot, looked on with much satisfaction, 
exclaiming, " That's right, boys, give it to him, d — n him I" 
at which the miserable Copperhead beat a hasty retreat. 

Expressions of sympathy for Vallandigham were confined 
to the country bordering on Virginia, but elsewhere the utmost 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 289 

confidence was expressed for the triumphant success of the 
Union State ticket. At Dayton, where, it is said, Vallandig- 
ham formerly resided, the old and young either sung or 
shouted, " Hurrah for Johnny Brough and Father Abraham, 
and a rope to hang Vallandigham ;" and, as near as the regi- 
ment could learn, these lines expressed the almost universal 
sentiment of the people. 

On the morning of the 4th, the regiment arrived at Indian- 
apolis, where they found the citizens much interested and 
very patriotic. A good breakfast was provided at " The Sol- 
•dier's Home," and other refreshments throughout the day, 
as they were needed. At night they took cars for Jeflferson- 
ville, on the Ohio River, opposite Louisville, crossing to the 
latter place by steamboat, and breakfasting there, took cars, 
at noon, for Nashville. Changing cars at Nashville, they pro- 
ceeded to Murfreesboro'j where they were landed, just at 
night, on the 8th, in a terrible storm. The men having their 
shelter tents, made the best disposition of themselves possible, 
and some of the ofl&cers took quarters with Colonel Gilbert, 
of the 19th Michigan, in a fine house belonging to a surgeon 
in the rebel army. 

The citizens of Murfreesboro' and vicinity were, at this 
time, in a great state of excitement. Wheeler, of the rebel 
cavalry, was out on a raid, and had, that very day been, with 
eight thousand of his troops, within four miles of the fortifi- 
cations near Murfreesboro', destroying the bridge on Stone 
River, and tearing up the railroad track for some distance. 
John Morgan's wife's family resided in the place, and what 
with the jubilant feeling of the rebel sympathizers and the 
anxiety of the loyal, the people were greatly stirred up. Some 
feared an immediate fight, and others really desired one. 
Most of the troops were at once marched into the fortification, 
expecting an immediate attack. But the rebels were too 
sharp to come within range of the heavy guns on the works, 
and after destroying the bridge, and thus completely cutting 



290 GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

off railroad communication with Greneral Rosecrans, tliey re- 
treatedj closely followed by our cavalry. Fortunately, the 
whole of the 11th Corps and the 1st Division of the 12th, had 
passed to the front before this interruption occurred, and 
therefore no fears were apprehended in relation to Rosecrans 
and his army, but it was believed that the reinforcements 
already sent him would enable him not only to hold his posi- 
tiou) but to make farther advances. 

The 60th remained at this point nearly a fortnight, during 
which time they repeated the experiments and experiences 
of the previous winter, in preparing winter-quarters, which- 
they had succeeded in comfortably fitting up, when, as before, 
they were ordered to move. On the 20th, they were 
taken ten and a half miles south, to Christiana, where a fort 
was being built for the protection of the railroad. Here 
they remained, doing picket duty, until the 25th, when they 
left for Bridgeport, but were stopped at Dechard, and de- 
tained there, on the train, eighteen hours. The rebels had 
been tampering with the road again, and another raid being 
apprehended, the troops were kept back until the extent of 
the danger could be ascertained. It did not prove to be as 
great as was at first anticipated ; the chief trouble being oc- 
casioned by a torpedo which had been placed on the track, 
near the tunnel on Cumberland Mountain; and the only 
damage caused by this was the destruction of a locomotive, 
which it blew off the track. 

Arriving at Bridgeport on the morning of the 27th, they 
found orders waiting them to join the Division then marching 
to Shell Mound, as soon as possible. Leaving here all the 
men who were unable to march, and also all the baggage and 
private property, under charge of Quartermaster Merritt, the 
regiment took three days' rations, and sixty rounds of ammu- 
nition, and pushed on to the front. The Tennessee Kiver, at 
this point, is about one-fourth of a mile wide, and is crossed 
by the railroad by a bridge 1300 feet long, to an island, 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. . 291 

thence across the island by a high embankment to another 
bridge, 500 feet in length, each bridge being about 40 feet 
above the water ; but as all this had been destroyed by the 
rebels, the regiment crossed on pontoons. To Chattanooga, 
the distance, by rail, is twenty-eight miles, but as the rebels 
had held the road since the battle of Chickamauga, it became 
necessary to send all supplies over the wagon roads, which 
makes the distance between forty and fifty miles. 

A day or two after the regiment left, thirty-seven non-com- 
missioned officers and privates, belonging to Longstreet's Corps, 
came into Bridgeport and delivered themselves up, having de- 
serted their posts while on picket. They expressed themselves 
tired of the war, and were confident than thousands would fol- 
low their example on the first opportunity. Deserters became 
more numerous every day, and the prisoners who were cap- 
tured expressed a general desire that the Union forces should 
push on and end the war. The vigorous measures adopted 
by the Union Generals in that Department, had a most salu- 
tary effect, their orders all being to the point, and invariably 
carried out. The rebels understanding that orders are given 
to shoot, without trial, all prisoners taken having on the 
United States uniform, some very laughable stories are told 
of them when liable to be taken. When coming upon a party 
who find escape impossible, the first thing usually discovered 
is United States clothing scattered along the road ; and when 
captured, many are almost entirely destitute of covering, hav- 
ing divested themselves of it in fear of the consequences, if 
caught with it on. 

The object of the movement from Bridgeport was the open- 
i ing of a shorter road for supplies to Chattanooga, which, as 
will be seen, was accomplished, and it received a name that 
will probably remain as long as any recollection is had of the 
campaign, " The Cracker Road V 

Shell Mound was reached in a day, and the next morning, 
at daybreak, the column started for Whiteside, having a hard 



292 * GOING TO A NEW FIELD- 

march over a very rougli road^ and tliroiigli a severe storm. 
Meanwhile the 11th Corps, a portion of whose troops the 60th 
relieved at Whiteside, and a large portion of the 2d Division 
of the 12th, had made a rapid march some distance in ad- 
vance, and on the 2,8th, the latter halted for the night at 
Wauhatchie, while the former was some three or four miles 
farther on. While fancying themselves in perfect security 
for the night, and with their pickets thrown out but a short 
distance, they were suddenly surprised at about eleven olHock 
by a vigorous attack from Longstreet's Corps, a force four or 
five times their superior in numbers. 

The following despatches from Major-General Thomas, give 
the results in a few words : 

Army of the Cumberland, 

Chattanooga, Oct. 29—11.30 P. M. 
Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief: 

In the fight of last night, the enemy attacked General Geary's 
Division, posted at Wauhatchie, on three sides, and broke into 
hif? camp at one point, but was driven back in a most gallant 
style, .by part of his force, the remainder being held in reserve. 

Howard, while marching to Geary's relief, was attacked on 
the flank, the enemy occupying in force two commanding hills 
on the left of the road. 

He immediately threw forward two of his regiments, and took 
both at the point of the bayonet, driving the enemy from his 
breastworks and across Lookout Creek. 

In this brilliant success over their old adversary, the conduct 
of the oflficers and men of the 11th and 12th Corps is entitled to 
the highest praise. 

GEORGE II. THOMAS, 

Major-General. 

Chattanooga, Oct. 29—11.30 P. M. 
Major-General. Halleck, General-in-Chief: 

Since the fight of the night of the 28th, the enemy has not dis- 
turbed us. General Hooker took prisoners four officers and one 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD, 293 

hundred and three men, and captured nearly a thousand Enfield 
rifles. His loss was three hundred and fifty officers and men 
killed and wounded. 

G. 11. THOMAS, Maj.-Gen. 

The following, from a despatch of j^uartermaster-General 
Meigs, of the same date, shows the promptness and bravery 
of the 11th Corps : 

Last ni^-ht, the 11th Corps hastily entered on this central cam- 
paign. General Geary, some four miles up the Lookout Valley, 
being attacked by Longstreet, the 11th Corps, about 1 o'clock, 
marched to his aid, passing the steep wooded hills, about 150 
feet in height. They received a volley from a rebel force which 
had occupied aryi entrenched their summit. After dark, four 
regiments assaulted the east hill, and, without firing a shot, 
steadily adva,nced by the light of the moon, and drove the rebels 
out of their rifle-pits, and down the other slope of the hill. 
Thirty-one dead soldiers attest the difiiculty of the assault and 
the valor and steadiness of the troops, which, in a night attack, 
accomplished one of the most brilliant feats of the campaign. 

Only after walking over the ground to-day, do I fully appre- 
ciate the exploit, when these hills were taken. 

They marched to the assistance of General Geary, who had 
held his position, and Longstreet was driven back with slaughter. 

As prisoners from two Divisions attest that his whole disposa- 
ble force was engaged, the whole afi'air is most creditable to these 
Corps from the Army of the Potomac. 

As an evidence of the coolness and strategy displayed at 
this time, I give the following, from a letter to tlie '^ New 
York Tribune :" 

An unrecorded incident of the midnight fight between Hooker's 
and Longstreet's forces, in Lookout Valley, has come to my 
knowledge, and deserves to have a place on the record. A short 
time subsequent to the magnificent charge on the enemy in their 
breastworks by General Geary's Brigade, General Howard, taking 
with him a small escort of cavalry, started for that part of the 
25* 



294 GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

field where General Geary was supposed to be. He had not gone 
far when he came up with a body of infantry. "What cavalry 
is that?" was the hail. "All right/' responded Gen. Howard, 
at the same time calling out, "What men are those?" " Long- 
street's!" was the reply. "All right; come here," said General 
Howard. The men ajaproached. " Have we whipped these fel- 
lows ?" asked General Howard, in a manner to keep up the de- 
ception. "No, d — n them; they were too much for us, and 
drove us from our rifle-pits like devils. We're whipped our- 
selves !" By this time, the rebels had gathered nearer. " Lay 
down your arms !" demanded General Howard, in a stern voice. 
The men surrendered. Taking his prisoners in charge, General 
Howard proceeded on his way. He had not gone far before an- 
other party of rebel infantry called out, " What cavalry is that?" 
" All right!" was the response again of General Howard, as he 
proceeded. On approaching the position occupied by Geary, 
that officer had observed the advancing horsemen and infantry, 
as he supposed the prisoners to be, and, supposing them to be 
-rebels, he had ordered his guns to be loaded with canister, and, 
in a moment more, would have given the intrepid Howard and 
his little force the benefit of it. But the General who had suc- 
cessfully deceived the enemy, found a way to make himself 
known to friends, and so escaped a reception of that kind. 

In this fight, our old friend General Greene, the brave com- 
mander of the 3d Brigade, was severely wounded, the ball pass- 
ing through his cheeks. At Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chan- 
cellorsville and Gettysburg, General Greene had shown the 
coolness, bravery and daring of the old Rhode Island blood, 
and may now have the satisfaction of knowing that having 
thus nobly and fearlessly aided his country in securing some 
of its most important victories, he has emulated the patriotic 
deeds of as worthy an ancestry as any American can boast I 

During this engagement, the 60th occupied an important 
post at Whiteside, where they protected the rear of the Divi- 
sion, by holding a pass in the Raccoon Range, through which 
the road to Trenton runs. Had Longstreet been successful 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 295 

in his attack, the regiment could not have escaped capture, as 
they were in a gap, isolated from all other troops, and must 
have been surrounded. They remained here several days 
erecting fortifications, and as during this time they were 
without supplies, and could get no rations, they killed all the 
beef they could find, and, for bread, had parched corn. As 
this latter article ran short, the Adjutant made a raid on a 
mill near by, and compelled a farmer who had come with his 
grist, to sell one-half of it, which amouted, however, to but a 
peck. This, being simply cracked, was boiled down to a sort of 
pudding, and eaten with bacon grease ! The horses, too, were 
on short allowance, and as they had been without forage for 
some time, the' Adjutant took a small force, and went outside 
of the lines to see what could be found. Being chased by 
the rebel cavalry, the regiment turned out and gave a few vol- 
leys, w^hich repulsed them. Subsequently, the cavalry threat- 
ened seyeral attacks, but wrought no damage. 

On the 31st, the regiment was mustered for pay, and- having 
made out their rolls, were ready for that which would, in this 
respect, complete their happiness, — the appearance of the Pay- 
Master. 

Perhaps I cannot better close this chapter, than by giving 
an extract from General Hooker's report of the battle of 
Lookout Valley, which contains the following cordial mention 
of Greneral Geary's Division : 

Geary's Division being in the rear, and being anxious to hold 
both roads leading to Kelly's Ferry, he was directed to encamp 
near Wauhatchie, three miles from the position held by How- 
ard's Corps. Pickets were thrown out from both camps on all of 
the approaches, though no attempt was made to establish and 
preserve a communication between them. The commands were 
too small to keep up a substantial communication that distance, 
and I deemed it more prudent to hold the men well in hand than 
to have a feeble one. In my judgment, it was essential to re- 
tain possession of both approaches to Kelly's Ferry, if practica- 



296 GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 

ble, as it would cause us inconvenience to dispossess the enemy 
if he established himself on either. 

Before night, Howard threw out three companies in the direc- 
tion of Kellj^'s Ferry, to intercept and capture, if possible, the 
enemy's sharpshooters, who had been engaged in fii ing across 
the river into our trains, and had, in fact, compelled them to 
avoid that line entirely. A regiment was also sent toward^ the 
point where the Chattanooga road crosses Lookout Creek, and 
about 12 o'clock had a little skirmishing with the enemy. An 
hour after, the muttering of heavy musketry fell upon our ears, 
from the direction of Geary. He was fiercely attacked: first, his 
pickets, and, soon after, his main force, but not before he was in 
line of battle to receive it. Howard was directed to double-quick 
his nearest Division (Schurz') to his relief, and before proceeding 
far a sheet of musketry was thrown on him from the central hills, 
but at long range, and inflicting no great injury. This' was the 
first intimation that the enemy .were there at all. 

Directions were immediately given for one of the Brigades en 
route to Geary (Tyndale's) to be detached and assault the enemy 
in the hills on the left, and the other Brigade to push on as 
ordered. Meanwhile, Howard's 1st Division, under Steinwehr, 
came up, when it was discovered that the hill to the rear of 
Schurz's Division was also occupied by the enemy in force, and 
Smith's Brigade, of this Division, was ordered to carry it with the 
bayonet. This skeleton, but brave Brigade, charged up the 
mountain, almost inaccessible by daylight, under a heavy fire 
without returning it, and drove three times their number from 
behind the hastily-thrown up intrenchiftents, capturing prisoners, 
and scattering the enemy in all directions. No troops ever ren- 
dered more brilliant service. The name of their valiant com- 
mander is Colonel Orlan Smith, of the 73d Ohio Volunteers. Tyn- 
dale, encountering less resistance, had also made himself master 
of the enemy's position in his front. 

During these operations, a heavy musketry fire, with occasional 
discharges of artillery, continued to reach us from Geary. It was 
evident that a formidable adversary had gathered around him, 
and that he was battering him with all his might. For almost 
three hours, without assistance, he repelled the repeated attacks 
of vastly superior numbers, and in the end drove them inglo- 



GOING TO A NEW FIELD. 297 . 

rlously from the field. At one time they had enveloped him on 
three sides, under circumstances that would have dismayed any 
officer, except one endowed with an iron will, and the most ex- 
alted courage. Such is the character of Gener-al Geary. 

With this ended the fight. We had repelled every attack, car- 
rying every point assailed, thrown the enemy headlong over the 
rivei^ and, more than all, securing our new communications for 
the time being, peradventiire. 






298 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 



XIX. 
THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

On the 3d of November the regiment finished up its picket 
duty at Whiteside, and moved down to Lookout Valley, having 
the headquarters of the Division at Wauhatchie. Here they 
labored hard, building corduroy roads, doing heavy picket duty, 
and living on short rations, for about three weeks. At thisi 
point, six miles west of Chattanooga, and on the eastern slope 
of Raccoon Mountain, two and a half miles south of the Tennes- 
see River at Kelly's Ferry, the pickets of General Geary's Divi- 
sion and those of the rebels were bu^ a short distance apart, 
being separated only by Raccoon Creek, a narrow stream. 

The rebels manifested no disposition to fire on our pickets, 
but were soon anxious to know what treatment they would re- 
ceive if they came over and gave themselves up. They could 
hardly believe the assurance of our men that they would fare 
well, as their own officers had represented that if caught within 
our lines they would either be forced into our ranks, and com- 
pelled to fight, or be placed in confinement. Their ignorance, 
even of their own army, was most wonderful, for although 
Pemberton's troops were serving in the same field with them, 
they were very curious to know if they had ever been ex- 
changed, or what we had done with them ! 

Desertions from their ranks soon became very frequent, and 
Captain Fitch informs me that they ranged from ten to seventy- 
five per day across our line of picket alone, during the twenty 
days our regiment was on duty there. They were very anx- 
ious to see and converse with our officers, and manifested more 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 299 

confidence in their representations than they did in the state- 
ments of their own commanders. At night our men constructed 
rafts, which they would swing across the creek, and before 
morning would draw them back again, loaded with deserters. 
They were mostly from Tennessee and Kentucky regiments, and 
were most heartily anxious for the war to close by the re-estab- 
lishment of the Union. 

The correspondent of the Philadelphia " Press" saw some 
of these deserters, and, under date of November 15th, describes 
a short conversation with them : 

"What are your people fighting for?" I inquired of one of 
twelve rebel deserters who came into our lines to-day. " I could 
never get to know exactly," said he, "but some of our olficers 
tell us we are £ghting for liberty." Beautiful sentiment, thought 
I ; but a fatal delusion ! Pretty theory, and attractive ; yea, 

" ingenious, new, 
Sublime, stupendous, everything but true." 

" Pray, tell me," said I, " how much of this liberty you have 
secured for yourself, personally, and what is the nature of it ?" 
"Liberty," said he, "to enter the army or be shot in my own 
house ; liberty to leave my family to starve for the necessaries of 
life ; liberty to fight against my own countrymen, and peril my 
life to gratify a few slaveholders, who are leading us to destruc- 
tion. I am sick of it," said he, " and have deserted, and thou- 
sands more would do so if opportunity offered." And the eleven 
who were with him said, "Amen." 

A correspondent of the ^^ New York World" thus relates his 
experiences in that locality, on the 17th of November: 

I yesterday received an invitation from Colonel S. J. McGroaty, 
of the Gist Ohio Regiment, and field ofiicer of the day, to ride 
along the outermost picket lines, in front of the 11th and 12th 
Corps, and soon after noon I was in the saddle. We rode to the 
extreme left of Hooker's army, which is posted — and I violate no 
confidence in stating it, as it is a matter of public notoriety — on 
the west of the Lookout Ridge, an elevation in the middle of the 



300 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

valley of the same name, whose height is fifty to one hundred 
and fifty feet, and which is cut by several gaps, through which 
run the railroad and numerous wagon and horse-paths. After 
passing around the left wing we reached Lookout Creek, a stream 
about thirty feet wide, and from two to five feet deep, on the west 
bank of which are our pickets, while on the east are those of the 
rebels. 

Here I witnessed an exhibition entirely novel to me, and which 
is really far more inspiring than anything I have witnessed since 
the commencement of the war. Hitherto the pickets, giving vent 
to those feelings of enthusiasm and hatred by which they were 
animated at the beginning of the war, would never permit an 
opportunity to pass to fire upon an antagonist without eagerly 
embracing it. But after a stubborn contest of nearly three years, 
the passions have cooled, and reason begins to assume its sway. 
The first thing I witnessed on reaching the creek was a group 
of four men, two from each army, standing together upon a little 
island in the middle of the stream, engaged in a pleasant little 
conversation, which embraced almost every topic usually dwelt 
upon by intimate friends. I immediately dismounted, as did 
Colonel McGroaty, and crossed to the island, where, in a few 
minutes, we were joined by a rebel lieutenant. 

While there we conversed freely, but on account of the pres- 
ence of the rebel officer, were compelled to confine ourselves to 
extra political and military subjects. I therefore remained but 
a brief period, as I was seeking information, and knew that, 
under the circumstances, I could gather none there. 

Mounting our horses, we rode a few hundred yards further, 
where we discovered a small post near the creek bank, which was 
under command of a sergeant, and on turning towards it, we 
rode our horses to the creek bank to give them an opportunity to 
drink, and then saluted the r-ebels. The men, not understanding 
our movem.ents at first, had seized their arms, but as soon as they 
discovered our designs they returned our salute, when Colonel 
McGroaty asked : 

Where is your officer ? 

Sergeant. — Back Avith the reserve. 
'Colonel. — ToAvhat regiment do yon belong? 

S.— To the 40th Alabama. 



* THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 301 

C. — Well, have you plenty to eat over there? 

S. — We are scantily supplied with rations. 
• C. — Well, how do you like the war? 

S. — We are exceedingly tired of it. 

C. — Why don't you stop it, then? 

S. — Because we can't do as we wish. 

C, — You appear to get along very well with our pickets. 

S. — Yes ; we have made an agreement with the regiment over 
there that if we get opposite each other in battle we will shoot up 
in the air. 

C. — Tliat is accommodating, surely. ' 

Believing there were too many together to obtain any confes- 
sions, we rode down the lines some distance to a point opposite a 
single sentinel. He was well dressed, otherwise than he had 
shocking bad shoes. Turning to him and giving the military 
salute, I inquired his regiment, when he replied : 

" The 28th Alabama.'' 

Correspondent. — How do you like the war ? 

Rebel. — I am tired of it. 

Cor. — Would you like to get away ? 

R. (after looking around carefully that no one might hear 
him.) — I would, if I could do so with safety to myself and 
family. 

Cor. — Then come over here ; our post is near, and you could 
cross on that log before your comrades could observe you. 

R. — That might do for me; but I have a family. I am on 
half rations ; but every letter I get from home shows that my 
wife' and children are worse off than myself. If I were to leave 
here they would be denied even the scanty relief they now get 
from charity. 

Cor.— What do you get per month? 

R. — Eleven dollars ; but that won't purchase as much as one 
dollar in the North. It gives very little aid to a woman and four 
children. 

Cor. — What do your officers think of Chickamauga? 

R. — They believed at first that they had gained "much; but 
now all is lost, as you are reinforced. 

Cor. — Did the result of the battle reinspire 3^our troops with 

hope ? 

R. — Yes, for a few days ; but it is otherwise now. The men 
2G 



302 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

say that if a victory brings them nothing, "but, on the other hand, 
really leaves them relatively weaker, another defeat -vrill crush . 
them. 

Less than three hundred yards brought us to another post, 
where the pickets had met upon a log, and were trading. Our 
men were suffering for want of tobacco, with which, of course, 
the rebels were abundantly supplied. F.or this article, sold by 
the sutlers at one dollar per pound, the rebels would get old 
knives, a handful of salt, or enough coffee for a meal, or some- 
thing of that character. 

} The examples given are not exceptional. Since the acquisition 
of the west side of Lookout Creek not a shot has been fired from 
pickets on either side, and the cordiality existing between the 
parties is universal. Those who believe a reconciliation between 
the North and South to be one of the impossibilities, should wit- 
ness what I have witnessed. I believe, to-day, that if the masses 
'of the people and the army could speak out, the Union could be 
restored at once ; the power is in the hands of leaders who have 
staked all upon the success of the rebellion, and they will cling 
to their usurped hold with the utmost tenacity. Were a procla- 
mation of amnesty issued, and could it be generally circulated, 
the Southern confederacy would melt before it. But it can never 
be circulated till the leaders in the rebellion have been unseated. 
Let our armies drive them from their places, and kindness will 
do the rest. But stern justice must precede mercy. 

How an officer in this Alabama regiment was brought to 
his senseSy and what a grand opportunity was given him to 
consider the beautiful theory of Alexander H. Stephens, that 
" There are slave races born to serve ; master races born to 
govern/' will be shown by a little incident, the truth of which 
is unquestioned. It fell under the observation of a corre- 
spondent of the '^ Cincinnati Commercial/' who thus tells the 
story : 



A certain wealthy, old planter, who used to govern a precinct 
in Alabama, in a recent skirmish was taken prisoner, and, at a 
late hour, brought into camp, where a guard was placed over - 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 303 

him. The aristocratic rebel, supposing everything was all rio-ht 
— that he was secure efiough any way as a prisoner of war — as a 
committee of the whole, resolved himself into " sleep's dead slum- 
ber.'' Awakening-about midnight, to find the moon shining full 
into his face, he chanced to inspect his guard, when, horror of hor- 
rors, that soldier was a negro ! And, worse than all, he recog- 
nized in that towering form, slowly and steadily walking a beat, 
one of his own slaves ! Human nature coulc^not stand that ; the 
prisoner was enraged, furious, and swore he would not. Ad- 
dressing the guard, through clenched teeth, foaming at the mouth, 
he yelled out : 
' "Sambo!" 

" Well, massa^i? 

" Send fov the Colonel to come here immediately. My own 
slave can never stand guard over me ; it's a d — d outrage ; no 
genlleman would submit to it." 

Laughing in his sleeve, the dark-faced soldier promptly called 
out, "corp'l de guard. '^ 

That dignitary appeared, and presently the colonel followed. 

After listening to the Southerner's impassioned harangue, 
which was full of invectives, the colonel turned to the negro, 
with, 

" Sam !" 

"Yes, Colonel." 

" You know this gentleman, do you ?" 

" Ob course ; he's Massa B., and his big plantation in Alabam'." 

"Well, Sam, just take care of him to-night," and the officer 
walked away. 

As the sentinel again paced his beat, this gentleman from 
Alabama appealed to him in an argument. 

" Listen, Sambo !" 

" l^'ou hush dar ; I'se done gone talkin^ to you now. Hush, 
rebel !" was the negro's emphatic command, bringing down his 
musket to a charge bayonet position, by way of enforcing 
silence. 

The nabob was now a slave — his once valued negro his mas- 
ter; and, think you, as he sank back upon a blanket, in horror 
and shame that night, that he believed human bondage was a 
divine institution, ordained of God ? 



304 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

How fast the rebels desert from that portion of their line, 
is not a question for us to guess or conjecture about; but our 
knowledge of it is reduced to certainty, for General Whipple, 
General Thomas' Chief of Staff, stated on the 25th of January, 
1864, that ^'over seventy-three hundred deserters from Bragg's 
army have come in our lines since October 20th, as shown by 
the rolls/' Not iffnfrequently an officer marches his whole 
picket squad into our lines, and surrenders the entire party. 
The rebel Generals adopt various expedients to prevent this, 
but they have learned that nothing can stop it. Before the 
60th left Georgia, the rebel commanders Jiad moved their 
least trusty troops to the rear, and used their most reliable 
men for picket duty at the front, but so little confidence could 
they place even in these, that they put a commissioned officer 
over each eight men, and then, as we have noticed abcn^e, 
failed to keep them. 

Before leaving Wauhatchie, the regiment received the fol- 
lowing congratulatory order : 

Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, 
Chattanooga, Tenn, Nov. 7th, 1863. 
General Orders, No. 265. 

The recent movements, resulting in the establishment of a 
new and short line of communication with Bridgeport, and the 
possession of the Tennessee River, were of so brilliant a charac- 
ter as to deserve special notice. 

• The skill and cool gallantry of the officers and men composing 
the expedition under Brigadier-General William F. Smith, Chief 
Engineer, consisting of the Brigades of Brigadier-Generals 
Turchin and Hazen, the boat parties under Colonel Stanley, 18th 
Ohio Volunteers, and the Pontoniers under Captain Fox, Michi-^ 
gan Engineers and Mechanics, in effecting a permanent lodg- 
ment on the south side of the river, at Brown's Ferry, deserves 
the highest praise. 

The column under Major-General Hooker, which took posses- 
sion of the line from Bridgeport to the foot of Lookout Mountain, 
deserve great credit for -their brilliant success in driving the 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 805 

enemy from every position which they attacked. The bayonetf 
charge, made by the troops of General Howard, up a steep and 
difficult hill, over two hundred feet high, completely routing the 
enemy and driving him from his barricades on its top, and the 
rif)ulse, by General Geary's command, of greatly superior num- 
bers, who attempted to surprise him, will rank among the most 
distinguished feats of this war. 

By command of Major-General Geo. 11. Thomas. 

C. GODDARD, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On the morning of the 22d, the 1st Brigai^e advanced about 
two miles, for the purpose of holding the breastworks formerly 
occupied by the 11th Corps, which was now thrown forward 
towards Chattanooga. The 60th moved from its camp into 
the camps just vacated by the 1st Brigade, and remained 
there until the morning of the 24th. 

At 6 A. M., on that eventful and glorious day. Colonel 
"Godard received instructions from Colonel Ireland, command- 
ing the 3d Brigade, to join the Brigade at 6.45 A. M., pre- 
pared with one day's rations, without knapa^gks and blankets, 
in light marching order. Promptly to the hour, the regiment 
moved with the Brigade to the foot of Lookout Mountain, 
where, being halted, General Geary, commanding the 2d 
Division of the 12th Corps, informed them that General 
Hooker had been ordered to take Lookout Mountain, and that 
the duty assigned his command was to cross Lookout Creek, 
and, forming in line of battle, the right resting near the foot 
of the main prominence of Lookout, the left on the Creek, 
sweep that side of the mountain as far as the point projecting 
towards Chattanooga, and drive the rebels from it. " I am 
confident," said the General, '^ that the brave men of my com- 
mand can do this.'' 

Such an order was not expected. Lookout Mountain was 
generally deemed, bofh by friend and foe, as impregnable ; and, 
although it had, for some time, been a standing joke in the 
20* 



306 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

Union camps that, on some fine morning, General Hooker was 
going to take Lookout, no one regarded it as anything more 
than a joke. But when the order was given, a very percepti- 
ble change came over all who heard it. All felt tha%to 
attempt and fail, would he worse than to win at any cost; and 
with the fixed determination to take the mountain or to be 
buried on it, the brave boys advanced. 

Crossing the creek, the ascent was quietly made, under 
cover of a dense spruce undergrowth, till about 10 o'clock, 
when the line of battle was formed, the 60th joining the 2d 
Brigade, under Colonel Cobham, on the right, and the 137th 
New York on the left; the skirmishers of the 2d Brigade ex- 
tending in front of the line. From this point they moved 
forward swiftly, but in as good order as the nature of the 
ground would allow, over every kind of obstructions, for 
about two miles, when t]^ skirmishers engaged the enemy. 

About midway in the ascent up and around the mountain, 
the slope of which is covered with trees recently felled, large 
boulders, and loose, angular rocks, which have, at some long 
ago period, beeP detached from the ledges above, they came 
to an unfinished earthwork, in which the rebels were appa- 
rently massing for defence. With a shout, such as only Yan- 
kees can give, the 60th fixed bayonets and went forv/ard on 
the run, leaving the skirmishers and the 2d Brigade fixr in 
the rear. So astonished and surprised were the rebels, that 
they surrendered at once to a force which was a mere hand- 
ful compared to their numl^ers, and, throwing down their 
arms, were sent through our line, down the mountain, many 
of them shouting, as they run, " The Southern Confederacy's 
played out ! Hurrah for the Union I" 

A few tried to make it an opportunity to join their flying 
comrades, higher up the mountain, among them a Color-Ser- 
geant, carrying the colors of their battery. He gave no heed 
to the orders to halt, and was finally brought to a sense of his 
duty by a ball from the trusty Enfield. One of our boys, 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 807 

eager for the trophy he carried, made for the spot where he 
fell, but was surprised at the fellow's persistency, as he was 
again up, and commenced a race with Captain Fitch, the ob- 
ject of which soon appeared to be to avoid the sword in the 
Captain's hand, and which, as a matter of course, being so 
told by his officers, he considered intended for him. His 
flight availed him nothing, as he was soon surrounded, and on - 
the Captain's demand for the flag, he handed it to Lee, of 
Company " E." The flag went to Headquarters, and the 
rebel was sent to the hospital to heal the wound which the 
deception of his officers had cost him. 

Rushing through and over these works, the 60th, in con- 
junction with the 102d, 137th, and 149th N. Y. S. Vols., 
swept on, carrying the second and third line of the rebel 
works, and leaving in their rear two brass field-pieces, from 
which they had driven the enemy, and, at which place. Major 
Thomas was badly wounded in the face and neck. Sergeant 
Leahy, who bore the colors, being twice hit, fell to the ground, 
and, on the Adjutant's shouting, " The colors are down ! 
Who will take them 1" Sergeant Buck sprang forward, seized 
the flag, and, with a coolness and bravery undistm'bed by the 
whiz of bullets, which came thick and fast, steadily bore il in 
advance of the regiment, and planted it, at last, on that point 
of the mountain where the rebels had boasted that the Stars 
and Stripes should never wave again. A brave and noble 
thing for you, Leffert ! An ample compensation for your dis- 
appointment at Antietam, where, as you may remember, you 
said to me, " It is too bad that they should have hit me before 
I had a chance to fire once V 

Still forward the regiment pressed, until the Colonel disco- 
vered that they were far beyond the point of the mountain 
which they were to sweep, and noticing, also, that the 60th 
and 137th N. Y. were isolated from and in advance of the 
rest of the command, he gave the orders, "Halt," "Cease 
firing.'^ Reluctantly did the men obey, for the enemy's sharp- 



308 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

shooterS; concealed among the rocks, were keeping up a con- 
tinuous fire; but, as ammunition was beginning to fail, and 
support was needed, tliey finished their work for the day at 2 
P. M., having, in the short period of four hours, occupied and 
passed over about three miles of Lookout Mountain, the 
roughest and most rocky route imaginable for a line of battle, 
constantly obstructed by every kind of natural and artificial 
obstacles, and in the face of a numerous enemy holding and 
using every advaptage of position. 

As soon as Colonel Ireland could be informed of their con- 
dition, the 96th 111. Vols, and the 1st Brigade of the 2d 
Division were sent to their relief, and the 60th retired a short 
distance to the rear, to remain until -ihe following morning. 
Here the sharpshooters opened upon them one spiteful volley, 
when suddenly a dense fog overspread the mountain, and they 
were free from further molestation. During the night weary 
men and heavily laden pack mules toiled up and down over 
the ragged rocks and fallen timber, replenishing the exhausted 
cartridge-boxes and hungry stomachs of the men preparatory 
to the anticipated battle of the morrow. But early in the 
morning, the pickets having informed General Geary that the 
rebels had retired, he sent some men from the 8th Kentucky 
Volunteers forward with the Stars and Stripes, and the Divi- 
sion flag, and they planted them on the highest peak of Look- 
out Mountain. How great the joy, how proud the satisfaction 
of the 60th as the dawning day showed them the glorious old 
flag waving from the top of the enemy's stronghold ! Prouder 
are they, and justly, of the part performed by them in this 
achievement than of any former action during the war ! 

In such haste did the rebels retreat that two Divisions, 
abandoned all their camp equipage and commissary stores,] 
amounting to over twenty thousand rations of hard bread, 
flour, and corn meal. For once, at least, a portion of our army ; 
lived on the enemy. 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 



309 



In this eugagement the 60th lost 37 in killed and wounded, 
the casualties being as follows : 

Major W. M. Thomas, wounded in face, dangerously 
Captain P. S. Sinclair, " <' arm, slightly. 

Lieut. Thos. Hobart, " " breast, dangerously. 

" J. E. Wilson, '< a arm, slightly. 

Sergeajit-Major John Scholl, wounded in leg. 
Private Thos. Lee, Co. " C," killed. 

" Martin Ayres, Co. "D," killed. 

" Robert Smith, Co. '' G," ^' ' 
' " Felix Flora, " a 

" Greorge Mayo, Co. '^ H," '^ 
Sergeant E.D. North, Co. "A," wounded in arm, severely. 
Corporal A. C. Robfcson, '' '^ thioh " 

Private Hiram Harlow, " " u ^ a 

Sergeant E. H. Partridge, Co. « B," sprained foot. 
Corp. Benj. Carlisle, Co. " C," wounded in thigh, severely. 



Sylvanus Backus, 
Private Benj\ Corbin, '< 

" M. Furgerson, Co. "D,'' 
" a. A. Sillsbee, Co. " E/' 

Sergeant Jay Fairbanks, Co. ^< F.," 

" Henry Palmer, " 



Corporal W. H. Gordon, 
Private S. Byette, 



" B. Palmer, « 

Corporal John Boland, Co. " G," 
Private Sidney Rider, Co. '' H" 
Corporal M. Kelley, a 

Sergeant A. F. Hubbell, « 
Corporal W. Tees. « 



leg, slightly, 
through right hip 
in thigh, severely, 
leg and foot, se- 
verely, 
both hipSj se- 
verely, 
abdomen, se- 
verely, 
arm, slightly, 
right side, se- 
verely, 
thigh, slightly. 

head, ^' 

u a 

side, ^^ 
abdomen,^^ 



310 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

Sergeant W. Lealij; Co. "I/' wounded in riglit slionlder 

and left thigh. 
Private M. Ward, " " shoulder, slightly. 

" P. Hartson, " ^' head, " 

Sergeant J. R. Mills, Co. " K," " hand, " 

" J. Fairbanks, " " both hips, seri- 

ously. 
Corp. D. R. Freeman, " " leg, seriously. 

iPrivate M. A. Hickey, " " hip, « 

" David Home, " " . fingers of right 

hand. 

From a full regiment this loss would have been small, but 
when we consider that Colonel Godard had but 175 enlisted 
men, and 10 officers, to take into th^ fight, the loss is very 
heavy. 

The dead were buried near the top of the mountain, just 
around the point, and about forty rods from the White House. 
Their heads lie towards the east, and commencing at the right, 
they are in the following order : Felix Flora, Martin Ayres, 
George Mayo, Robert Smith, Thomas Lee. 

On the afternoon of the 25th, the 60th, with the rest of the 
2d Division of the 12th Corps, marched to the rebel camp near 
Missionary Ridge, from which the enemy had been driven 
during the day. That night they slept in the rebel huts, the 
fires not having been extinguished when they took possession. 
From appearances, the rebels had encamped a force of 20,000 
men there, who had fixed up very comfortable winter quarters. 
Rebel officers captured here stated that Hardee shed bitter 
tears over the destruction of his Corps, and the turning of the 
position. He was heard to say to Breckinridge, " AVe have 
not far to look for the end — our best hopes are blasted.'^ 

During the 26th, the Division marched to Ringgold, the 
rebels having retreated in that direction, and taken position 
at Pigeon Gap, on Taylor's Ridge, about two miles south of the 
village. The enemy's rear-guard and train were overtaken 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 311 

that evening, a dash made on them, and a few pieces of artil- 
lery and some wagons captured. 

On "the morning of the 27th, the battle of Ringgold com- 
menced. General Osterhaus' Division, of General Sherman's 
Corps, made the advance, General Geary's Division being the 
reserve. The enemy occupied the Gap in large force, as also 
the slopes of the mountains on either side, in such position 
that they had an enfilading fire on both flanks. They were 
well sheltered, while our trooj^s were compelled to pass over 
an open field, swept by the concentrated fire of the batteries 
in front, and of the sharpshooters in the flanks. 

Over this exposed place the advance charged bravely, but 
soon fell back, an Illinois and Missouri regiment breaking. 
The 1st Brigade of Ge-neral Geary's Division was then ordered 
in,*^o check them and regain the ground. The 7th Ohio 
charged up to the enemy's guns, but received a terrible fire, 
losing sixteen out of seventeen ofiicers, either killed or 
wounded, and all but forty-five men. They were compelled 
to fall back, losing their flag. 

Until this time, the 3d Brigade remained near the railroad 
depot, at the village. General Hooker, having a clear ap- 
preciation of the importance of driving the rebels from their 
position, inquired of General Geary what troops he had in re- 
serve. He replied: ^^ The 3d Brigade ; if they fail, the posi- 
tion cannot be carried; they will not break, and can be reHed 
on." The order was immediately given, " Lead them on !'^ 
and the Brigade went in on the double-quick, the 60th being 
led into position, under this terrible fire, by Captain Nolan, 
then Acting Aid-de-Camp to Colonel Ireland. The 149th 
N. Y. preceded them, and they were immediately followed 
by the 137th New York. 

While passing over the open space, Captain Charles T- 
Greene, Assistant Adjutant-General of the 3d Brigade, a son 
of Brigadier-General Greene, and formerly a Lieutenant in 
the 60th, received a very severe wound, a cannon shot passing 



312 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. ' 

througli his horse, and taking off the Captain's leg, on the 
opposite side. Corporal Conklin and Cozens, of Company 
" F," went immediately to his relief, and while under a vio- 
lent fire, removed with their knives the fragments of the shat- 
tered limb, assisted him in applying a compress to the arteries, 
and bore him from the field. 

The ranks of the Brigade were rapidly thinned as they 
passed through this fire, but, quickly closing up the broken 
lines, they pressed on, the 60th and 149th New York finally 
reaching a position so near a rebel battery that it could not be 
served, our boys killing or disabling the- gunners at every 
attempt to use their guns. During this fight, as also at Look- 
out, Miller, of Company " K," pushed on ahead, loading and 
firing as he ran, reporting, with great exultation, to the Colonel, 
at the close of the battle, that he had " made forty of the iTest 
shots that he ever had in his life V After a struggle of about 
two hours, the rebels fled, leaving the mountain in the posses- 
sion of our troops. In their flight, they attempted to destroy 
an important bridge on the other side of the mountain, but 
our farces followed them so rapidly, that their design was 
frustrated. 

General Geary came up to congratulate the Division on its 
glorious but dearly-bought victory, but emotion for a long 
time choked his utterance, and when, at last, the words came, 
they were mingled with fast-flowing tears. So terrible was 
the ordeal through which they had passed, that, at its close, 
officers and men were, for a while, unable to speak, but clasped 
hands and embraced ea-ch other, as though they had just met 
after a separation of years. Few, if any, showed no marks of 
the strife. Colonel Godard, who, going before his men, gave 
only the order, '^ Come on, boys V had eleven bullet holes in 
his clothing and boot legs, his metallic sword scabbard was 
hit by a ball and considerably damaged, while it was lying 
across his arm and partly against his side, yet, providentially, 
he was unhurt. Adjutant Willson's clothing was also cut, 



9 

THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 313 

but he received no injury. Several noble men, however 
bought he victory with their lives and sufferings/as If! 
lowing list of casualties will show : 

Capt. Thomas Elliott, Co. ^'^^ wounded in I.., slightly. 
Private Chas. E. Backus, Co. "B/' killed. 
Michael Eubedeau, Co. '' H '' killed 

Prl'^r''"- V"''' ^°- "^'"--"lod in side mortally. ' 
-f rivate Lyman Tupper, " " a ,, , 

Corp.JohnMcGregor;" "B" « ^.^7\J^ 

■ " H.C.Worden,' " .J" . both 1 ' ^ ^^ ^ 

Private David HoIIidly, " <! . ^"^J^^f' ^^l'' 

" Nelson Brill/ « «D" « ^p"'' ^''gMy. 

Serg. Edgar Kead, u 7 „ side severely. 

Corp. Clark Cozzens, « "F" « ^^ad, slightly. 

Private Geo. Champion, « "G" « ^°' T 

i*m. Upton, " «K" " ii,- i. 

" Thos. Small « « , /'^'s'^' '■^ort'Ij- 

" Alfred Lapage, « ", '<;f ^-"d arm severely. 

" James Chafee, « " I," wounded in thi^h « 
Serg. John Duane, « << k .. » , ° ,. , 

' '^' head, slightly. 

If not already removed, these, as also the dead at Lookout 
tie foZt^'^^' ^" ^ ^^'^°-^ «---^ -oeordan::^^^^^ 

O * 
IlEABQITAKTERS DePARTMEXT OP THE CnMBERLAXB 

^s^^T^NooGA, Tenn., Dec. 25, 1863. ' 
ixENERAL Orders, IVo *^96 

^^ isattles of Ch-ftanooga, fought JVovem- 



314 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

ber 23d, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27i;h, and to provide a proper rest- 
ing-place for the remains of the brave men who fell upon the 
fields fought over upon those days, and for the remains of such 
as may hereafter give up their lives in this region in. defending 
their country against treason and rebellion. 

The ground selected for the Cemetery is the hill lying beyond 
the "Western and Atlantic Railroad, in a southeasterly direction 
from the town. 

It is proposed to erect a monument upon the summit of the 
hill, of such materials as are to be obtained in this vicinity, 
which, like all the work upon the Cemetery, shall be exclusively 
done by the troops of the Army of the Cumberland. 

Plans for the monument are invited to be sent in to these Head- 
quarters. 

When the ground is prepared, notice will be given, and all 
interments of soldiers will thereafter be made in the Cemeter}^, 
and all now buried in and around the town removed to that place. 
By command of 

Major-General GEO. H. THOMAS. 

WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, 

Assistant Adjfttant-General. 

An effort will be made to do full justice to the dead, as notice 
the following extract from an order, dated January 8, 1864 : 

Commanding officers of regiments in this Department will fur- 
nish, on the application of Chaplain Thomas B. Van Horn, 13th 
0. V. I., in charge of the Mortuary Record of the National Ceme- 
tery at this place, full information in regard to the full name, 
rank, company, native State, date, age, marital state, date of en- 
listment, address of nearest friends, number of engagements par- 
ticipated in, soldierly character, special circumstances of death, 
if killed in action, and whatever else is worthy in their history 
of record, of all soldiers who may be interred in the National 
Cemetery at Chattanooga. 

Sergeant Fitch was shot just as the rebels turned to run. 
The noble, cheerful and Christian manner in which he met 
his fate, is best told in the following letter, written to his 
family at home, by his brother. Captain William Fitch : 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 315 

Camp at Ringgold. Georgia, 
* November 29, 1863. 

Dear Friends : My first leisure moment, after a severe week 
of trial, is tendered to you. 

Again we have been called upon to do battle for our country, 
and have been most prosperously victorious ; but, to you, my 
dear parents, my brother and sister, it has been bought with 
price. We must mourn the loss of a son and brother. We are 
called to the test which none can appreciate until its trial. If 
that part which falls to us be as nobly done as his we mourn, 
-'tis well ; 'tis nobly done. To you, mother, he looked for the 
truest, strongest proof of heroism. His message for you was, 
" that he died happy, and had done the best he knew how.'^ 
None of us can receive his consolation more considerately than 
it was tendered, and should any who loved him receive it with 
less ? He died cheerfully and as happily as he had lived, at 
peace with all his companions and his God. 

Ours were the troops assigned the duty of taking Lookout 
Mountain ; and of all the acts of the war, none excelled it in the 
character of its execution. Foremost in the battle, as in all his 
undertaking, was seen him we loved and mourn. We were suc- 
cessful ; driving the best of the rebel army from their stronghold. 
The enemy must be followed, and were attacked again at this 
place day before yesterday, (November 27th.) Our Brigade was 
assigned to diity that Western troops had failed to perform. We 
advanced on their cannon and infantry, driving them from their 
position ; the shot and shell passing over and through our ranks 
for a distance of sixty rods, but no one quailed. As at Lookout, 
Jemmie was in front, leading and cheering on the men. We 
arrived at and held the position intended ; but, before the enemy 
were driven from range, he received a wound in the left side that 
proved mortal. He was hit about II o'clock, A. M,, and died 
at 7J P. M. I was with him from a few moments after he re- 
ceived the wound till he died. The battle ended in about fifteen 
minufes ; all the Generals coming to the spot and immediately 
tendering to the 3d Brigade the reputation of the best Brigade 
in the army. The cheer that went forth could be responded to 
by but one of two brothers — that one has gone ! I could not help, 
and, on exclaiming, "My God, I cannot cheer for this !" he im- 



316 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

mediately raised up and said, "I can, if we have whipped the 
Grey-Backs,^' and, laughing, told me not to feel so. We soon 
carried him back to a house, and did all for him that we could. 
He is buried on the bank of a small stream, in a beautiful spot, 
at the entrance of Dugout Gap, west of the town, where we 
fought. He died with little pain, and was conscious to the end. 
He gave me the shield he wore and t'old me to send it to mother. 
You will find it enclosed. He believed his wound mortal from 
the first, but had no fears. His faith was stamped on every fea- 
ture, and his words a volume to all who heard them. 

I have no more time to write now, as we may move at any 
moment — which way I cannot tell. Let me say to you all : Let 
us mourn his loss as one only gone before ; and, by imitating his 
example, death will never come too soon. 

Your son and brother, 

WILLIAM FITCH. 

The following lines were written for the " St. Lawrence 
Plaindealer/' after reading the above. 

BY MRS. II. E. BISHOP m'cOXKEY. 

The death shots were falling like rain-drops around; 
The dead and the dying were strewing the ground ; 
The groans of the wounded were filling the air. 
From the proud, boastful rebs. came the wail of despair. 

They fled in confusion, in panic and fright. 

Our forces closed on them, thus ending the fight ; 

A victory most glorious our MEN had achieved, 

And the Sixtieth New York won them bright laurel wreaths. 

No longer is deaf 'ning the cannon's loud rattle, 
Nor the hissing of shells, as in thick of the battle. 
But in clear bugle notes, "Three cheers be then given, 
For the victory's won !" since so favored by heaven. 

Three cheers for the victory was shouted aloud ; 
Three cheers for the Union went up to the clouds. 
And the mountain crags echoed the cheers back again, 
Till nature seemed mingling in one glad refrain. 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 317 

" My God, I cannot !" and he knelt by the dying, 
Who on the cold earth very calmly was lying, 
. To catch his last words as he bent low his ear — 
He felt 'twas a victory bought very dear. 

"I CAN cheer! my brother," he smilingly said, 
" I can cheer, if, dear brother, the rebels have fled; 
No regrets have I now that my life has been given.'' 
And the battle scene closed for bright visions of Heaven. 

He died far away from his kindred and home. 
And his grave is not marked by the sculptured stone ; 
But high, very high, on the Temple of FAME, 
In glory and honor is engraven his name. 

The regiment remained at Ringgold three days, when, 
having destroyed the railroad and bridges, and burned the 
village, they returned to their camp on the Raccoon Moun- 
tain, on the 1st of December, fatigued and shoeless, but abun- 
dantly satisfied with their week's work. It had been the 
grandest and most important week in the history of the war. 
Its results cannot be measured ; its importance cannot be over- 
stated. General Bragg sent a flag of truce to General Grant, 
on the 22 d of November, advising him to remove non-com- 
batants from Chattanooga, as he intended to open on the place 
at once. Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and Ringgold, 
was the unambiguous i-esponse of the energetic and unflinch- 
ing Leader of the Union Hosts ! 

On the 3d, the following order was promulgated : 

Head Quarters Second Division Twelfth A. C. 
Wauhatchie, Tenn.,* Dec. 3, 1863. 
General Orders, No. 79. 

A most important era in the present contest for a national exist- 
ence has just been passed ! Battles culminating in the grandest 
success, fought and won, and the part taken by the troops in this 
Division, in the engagements by which it has been marked, 
having reflected so much honor upon themselves as individuals, 
27* 



318 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

and upon the command to -which they are attached, the General 
Commanding cannot refrain from alluding to these services in 
terms which shall convey, in some measure, his warm apprecia- 
tion of their valor, their patriotism, and their noble endurance of 
severe hardships while engaged in the arduous campaign. 

With heartfelt pride, he reverts to their prowess in the assaults 
which made them the heroes of Lookout Mountain on the 24th 
ult., and to their gallant conduct upon Missionary Ridge on the 
25th ; Peavine Creek on the 26th ; and at Ringgold upon Taylor's 
Ridge on the 27th. 

The conquest of Lookout Mountain will, associated with the 
emblematic "White Star" of the conquerors, stand out as pro- 
minently in history as do the bristling clifts of that Titanic emi- 
nence upon the horizon. For these services he tenders them his 
heartfelt thanks; for their endurance, his sympathy; for their 
bereavements of the loss of so many gallant officers and so many 
brave and noble men, his condolence. In all the Division death 
could not have selected braver spirits, nobler hearts, than those 
who have laid their lives as a sacrifice upon their country's altar 
in the recent engagements with the rebel forces. 

He assures them that their gallant conduct has gained for them 
the high esteem and appreciation of their General Commanding. 

It behooves us to remember, prayerfully, that the hand of the 
Omnipotent Architect of the Universe is visible in our great vic- 
tories, and that He who holds in his hands the destinies of Na- 
tions, has, in His goodness, answered the humble petitions for 
success to crown our arms, which ascended from anxious hearts 
to his heavenly throne. 

By Command of 

Brigadier-General JOHN W. GEARY. 

THOS. H. ELLIOTT, Captain and A. A. G. 

On the 7th, the President issued the following Proclama- 
tion : 

Executive Mansion, 

AVashington, Dec. 7th, 1863. 
Reliable information being received that the insurgent force is 
retreating from East Tennessee, under circumstances rendering 
it probable that the Union forces cannot hereafter be dislodged 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 319 

from that important position ; and esteeming this to be of high 
National consequence, I recommend that all loyal people do, on 
the receipt of this, informally assemble at their respective places 
of worship, and render special homage and gratitude to Almi^ity 
God for this great advancement of the National cause. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

How many thousand hearts exultingly responded : ^ 

Our Father in heaven ! we bless thee to-day, 
Thy love has been shown to our beautiful land ; 

The demon of evil is fleeing away. 

It shrinks from the wrath of thy powerful hand. 

Our lips fail to utter the thanks we would tell, 

Our hearts, are oppressed with their volume of praise ; 

We can only cry humbly, Lord, it is well ! 
That thou in rich mercy prolongeth our days ! 

Let thy loving Spirit descend on the plain 
Where fiercely resounds the alarum of war ; 

Look down on the tempest-tossed over the main, 
Be thou their Protector and sure "Guiding Star." 

With hands stretched to heaven, we bless thee again, 
And bow to the earth as we call upon thee, 

While o'er the whole nation is borne the refrain — ■ 
Thank God for his kindness — a people are free ! 

The next day the President wrote to General Grant — 

Washington, December 8th. 
Major-General Grant: Understanding that your lodgment 
at Chattanooga and Knoxville is now secure, I wish to tender 
you and all under your command, my more than thanks — my 
profoundest gratitude — for the skill, courage and perseverance 
with which you and they, over so great difficulties, have effected 
that important object. God bless you all ! 

A. LINCOLN. 

The following congratulatory order was iniQiediately pro- 
mulgated : 



320 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, 
In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., Dec. 10th, 1863. 

General Orders, No. 9. 

'4Jhe General Commanding takes the opportunity of returning 
his sincere thank* and congratulations to the brave Armies of 
the Cumberland, the Ohio, the Tennessee, and their comrades 
from the Potomac, for the recent splendid and decisive successes 
achieved over the enemy. In a short time you have recovered 
from him the control of the Tennessee river from Bridgeport to 
Knoxville. You dislodged him from his great stronghold on 
Lookout Mountain, drove him from Chattanooga Valley, wrested 
from his determined grasp the possession of Missionary Eidge, 
repelled with heavy loss to him his repeated assaults upon Knox- 
ville, forcing him to raise the siege there, driving him at all 
points, utterly routed and discomfited, beyond the limits of the 
State. By your noble heroism and determined courage you have 
most effectually defeated the plans of the enemy for regaining 
possession of the States of Kentucky and Tennessee. ' You have 
secured positions from which no rebellious power can drive or 
dislodge you. For all this the General Commanding thanks you 
collectively and individually. The loyal people of the United 
States thank and bless you. Their hopes and prayers for your 
success against this unholy rebellion are with you daily. Their 
faith in you will not be in vain. Their hopes will not be blasted. 
Their prayer^ to Almighty God will be answered. You will yet 
go to other fields of strife ; and with the invincible bravery and 
unflinching loyalty to justice and right which have characterized 
you in the past, you will prove that no enemy can withstand you, 
and that no defences, however formidable, can check your onward 
march 

By order of Major-General U. S. GEANT. 

T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On the 15th, a very pleasant episod§ broke in upon the 
monotonous routine of camp-life. All the rebel flags captured 
at Lookout Mountain were taken 'by the 3d Brigade, composed 
wholly, as before noticed, of New York troops; " M. S./' of 
the 149th N. Y., in a letter to the " Onondaga Standard," thus 
describes tlie pleasant scene to which I have alluded. 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 321 

I have already informed your readers that our regiment cap- 
tured four rebel banners during the recent c^ipaign, including 
the storming of Lookout Mountain and the still more terrific 
storm of leaden hail through which they passed at Ringgold. 
The flags were all brought into camp^ and exhibited with modest 
pride, as incontrovertible evidences of the desperate character of 
the fight in which they were engaged, and the daring bravery of 
their captors ; but it is well understood that all such trophies 
must be sent to the War Department through the proper channels, 
and hence our regiment did not expect to retain the flags in its 
p :^session. 

But/in consideration of the extent of the capture, General 
Geary, commanding 2d Division, 12th Army Corps, and Colonel 
Ireland, commanding 3d Brigade, kindly consented not only to 
permit the public presentation of the banners (a privilege not 
accorded to any other regiment during the war) to General 
Hooker, but attended themselves, accompanied by their staff- 
ofiicers, and took part in the presentation ceremonies, |ind by 
their presence greatly enhanced the interest and brilTiaiicy of the 
display. 

Colonel Ireland also generously tendered the services of the 
Brigade Band, whose music added largely to the pleasure of the 
occasion. 

Accordingly, on the morning of the 15th inst., the 149th Re- 
giment, bearing the captured colors and their own bullet-riddled 
flag, marched from their new^camp to Brigade Headquarters, 
where a formal presentation of the flags was made to Colonel 
Ireland. They were here joined by Colonel Ireland and staff, 
and proceeded to headquarters of the 2d Division, where they 
were received by General Geary and his staff. 

The regiment being drawn up in line, Colonel Barnum pre- 
sented the captured banners to General Geary, in a neat an(f 
appropriate address, which was replied to by General Geary in 
eloquent and complimentary terms. 

At the close of his remarks, three rousing cheers were given 
for General Geary, and three more for the White Star, the emblem 
of his Division. 

Our regiment was permitted to retain the flags, and another 
rebel banner, captured by our brave and generous companions- 



322 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

in-arms, the 60th New York Volunteers, was added to the num- 
ber, and carried ifi the ranks by a soldier of the 60th.* 

At the command, the regiment formed in order of march, and 
led by General Geary and his staff, together with Colonel Ireland 
and staff, and a number of officers of other regiments in the 3d 
Brigade, proceeded to the Headquarters of General Hooker, about 
two miles distant, where the final presentation ceremonies were 
to take place. 

The regimeni was drawn up in open order on the area in front 
of General Hooker's headquarters, being in two lines, with the 
company officers in front of the regiment, and the bearers of the 
captured banners a few paces farther in front, on a line with Lieu- 
tenant-Colbnel Randall, commanding the regiment, with our own 
war-worn Stars and Stripes towering above them in the centre, 
and the battle-flag of the 2d Division and 3d Brigade on the right 
and left. In front of the captured banners the commanding form 
of General Geary was conspicuous, with Colonel Barnum stand- 
ing near him. On the right of the regiment the Brigade Band 
occupied its proper position, and in front of the band Colonel Ire- 
land and Division and Brigade staffs,, together with a brilliant 
array of spectators, were assembled. 

At this moment the picture was well worthy the pen and pencil 
of an artist. The ranks of bronzed and war-worn soldiers, whose 
valor had wrested so many trophies from the hands of a desper- 
ate enemy, each man exhibitinffthe steadiness and discipline of 
veterans, formed a spectacle that^very Syracusan, at least, might 
well view with pride and gratification ; while the brilliant uni- 
forms and glittering arms of the officers assembled to witness the 
somewhat novel presentation ceremonies, gave animation and 
beauty to the scene. 

General Geary presented the banners in a most appropriate 
tnd eloquent address, in which he alluded to the incidents of the 
recent campaign, which had resulted so successfully for the Union 
arms. The storming of Lookout Mountain ranked among the 
most romantic as well as the most important incidents in the 

* This should have been so carried, but I am informed that 
M. S. is incorrect in his statement. The flag captured by the 
60th is the largest in the collection. 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 323 

history of the rebellion, and the achievement will be remembered 
so long as the giant monument rears its majestic head towards 
the stars, whose sparkling glory forms the symbol of its conquer-- 
ors. The trophies of the victory were brought here to be laid at 
the feet of their beloved commander, who, as a soldier and a man, 
we all delight to honor. 

He also paid a high compliment to Colonel Barnum, whose 
active services on the Peninsula were well remembered and 
appreciated, and who, although suffering from a severe and pain- 
ful wound, was nevertheless foremost among the leaders in the 
storming of Lookout Mountain, where he received a second severe 
wound, while encouraging his men by voice and example. 

He concluded by introducing Colonel Barnum, who was ex- 
pected to make some remarks on the occasion. 

Colonel Barnum stepped to the front, and made a very hand- 
some speech, of which I am only able to send you the following 
very imperfect sketch : 

General : The future historian, in recording the events that 
we are daily enacting, will write pages which will vie in bril- 
liancy and intensity of interest with the proudest deeds of any 
people. As " all the world is a stage and we are actors thereon,^' 
so is the American people performing one of the masterpieces on 
the bills of time. Alas ! that it is all a tragedy ! To justly ap- 
preciate the progress of the piece, let us cast a retrospective glance 
at the rising of the curtain in the' second scene. The hastily 
gathered force of the Republit throw themselves impetuously 
against the prepared ranks of the insurgents, and following the 
result, a pall, heavy and dark as Egyptian midnight, settled upon 
our Northern people. The line of the Ohio constituted the 
Southern boundary of the loyal States, and the rebel flag flaunted 
defiance in sight of the dome of the Capitol. To-day how differ- 
ent a scene the stage displays. To-day the victorious armies of 
the Republic hem in the insurgents on all sides, as you have seen 
a cordon of fire devouring the woods that crown these mountain 
peaks. Grant's devoted forces have fastened their hydra arms 
around the vitals of the enemy, and its spasmodic throes are pal- 
pably the dying struggle. 

Numerous have been the brilliant episodes of the contest, but 
chiefest of them all, and equal in its tragic splendor to the proud- 



324 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

est effort of any people, is our own recent achievement — Hooker's 
fij^lit above the clouds — the storming and capture of Lookout 
Mountain, r' Thankful are we, sir, that you gave the "White 
Star'' the post of honor, always the post of danger. You have 
been pleased to commend us for our deeds on that day, under the 
lead of our beloved General, and, to-day, by his and your permis- 
sion, we lay at your feet our trophies of the conflict and with 
them that of our gallant brothers-in-arms, the 60th New York. ' 
Receive them, sir, not atone as the evidence of our powers, but 
also as mute but eloquent witnesses of the brilliant conceptions 
and daring boldness of the model soldier, who has given his name 
to the proud deed. 

At the close of his remarks, the bearers of the captured flags 
came forward, and each banner was presented with appropriate 
remarks by Colonel Barnum, detailing the incidents attending 
its capture. 

The flags were received by Major-General Butterfield, Chief of 
Staff, in behalf of General Hooker ; and, on receiving them, 
General Butterfield remarked that the feelings of the General 
commanding had been well expressed in the order issued imme- 
diately after the return of the 2d Division from the caiflpaign, 
and he could add nothing farther. 

Three cheers were then given for General Hooker, three more 
for General Butterfield, and three for the glorious Stars and 
Stripes, and the 149th Regiment again formed in order of march 
and returned to camp, under command of Captain Hopkins. 

Subsequently these flags were disposed of by the following 
order : 

Special Field Order, No. 34. 

Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, 
Chattanooga, Tenn., Dec. 22d, 1863. 
Colonel H. A. Barnum, commanding 149th Regiment New York 
Volunteers, and Sergeant-Major Mortimer B. Birdseye, of the 
same regiment, are hereby selected, for their gallant conduct in 
the battle of Chattanooga, to take to Washington, D. C, and 
deliver to the Adjutant-General, the flags captured by the Army 
of the Cumberland from the rebels in that battle. Colonel 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 325 

Barnum will -go by way of Cincinnati, Ohio, and exhibit the 
flags at the Fair of the United States Sanitary Commission, which 
is to meet in that city on the 21st instant, after which he will 
proceed to Washington. 
By command of 

Major-General GEO. H. THOMAS. 
C. GODBARD, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

The flags were exhibited at Cincinnati, also at a Fair for 
the benefit of the Sanitary Commission at Syracuse, and then, 
by a vote of the Assembly, to the New York Legislature, in 
session at Albany, and, at length, reached their destination, 
the Adjutant-General's Office, in Washington. 

Not being at liberty to use any official papers, as such, in 
preparing the account of the battles for this chapter, although 
having had access to several which can be made public only 
after they have been published by authority of the Secretary 
of War, and feeling that the friends of the regiment, as well 
as the regiment itself, will be gratified to see an account which 
gives, as the publication of those papers will yet show, the 
essential facts, I subjoin a statement furnished to the Phila- 
delphia "Press," by a Stafi"-Officer in high position in the 
Army of the Cumberland ; 

Bragg was overwhelmingly defeated, and driven into the heart 
of Georgia, by a continuous series of brilliant battles, com- 
mencing with the storming of Lookout Mountain, November 
24th, and ending with the battle of Ringgold, or Taylor^s Ridge, 
November 27tli. In this grand move, the army operated in three 
Divisions, the right wing under Hooker, the left under Sher- 
man, and the centre under Granger and Palmer. 

Sherman's advance had reached Lookout Valley (where 
Hooker's command lay) on the 19th. His troops crossed the 
river, at Brown's Ferry, without delay, passed the rear of Chat- 
tanooga, and took position^ 'opposite the mouth of Chickamauga, 
thus forming a left wing to (fat army. Here they were succes- 
sively massed j during three days, as they arrived. 
28 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

On the 22d, one of Sherman^s Divisions, undei»Osterhaus, had 
not come up. 

The 11th Corps was detached from Hooker and sent to Sher- 
man ; and Osterhaus, who arrived on the 23d, was assigned to 
Hooker. During these changes of position, Geary's Division of 
the 12th Corps occupied the entire front line of Hooker's com- 
mand in Lookout Valley. • 

Towering 3,000 feet above the valley, rises Lookout Mountain, 
the highest, by far, in this mountain region. On its side, among 
the rocks, 2,000 feet above us, were encamped Walthall's and 
•Churchill's Brigades of Walker's Division, Hardee's Corps. Two 
more Brigades lay on the summit, a mile from the rocky preci- 
pice which crowns the point of Lookout. Around the brow of 
the mountain, high above its side, overlooking Chattanooga,, lay 
another rebel Division. The position occupied by Walker's 
troops — so strong a mountain fastness as to be generally deemed 
impregnable — had been further improved by timber slashings, 
earthworks and artillery, while upon the highest peak were 
those long-range guns, whose musical shells had long been our 
daily visitors. There, too, was their signal station, from which 
they could detect our slightest movement, and almost count our 
men. Not a camp, a bridge, or a road in our lines but could be 
closely scanned with the naked eye from Lookout summit. For 
many weeks had our army gazed wistfully upon that cloud-capped 
summit, and coveted its possession ; but " to storm Lookout" was 
an idea only uttered to be laughed at. But Hooker, who had 
driven Longstreet out of Lookout Valley, and saved Chattanooga 
to our brave army, told General Thomas he could take the moun- 
tain as well as the valley, with Geary's Division, and to him the 
contract was given. 

At 3 A. M., November 24th, General Geary received orders to 
take his Division, at daylight, across Lookout Creek, two and a 
half miles above its mouth, and storm the mountain. Whitaker's 
Brigade, of 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, reported, by order, 
to General Geary, to suppt)rt the storming column. A Brigade 
from the 4th Corps, under Colonel Gross, was placed near the 
mouth of the creek, to divert the attention of the enemy by a 
feint of crossing. If necessary, Gross was to cross at that point, 
and support General Geary's storming column. Osterhaus' 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 327 

Division was held in reserve near the mouth of the creek, to be 
brought up also as a support at the critical moment. Finally^ 
six pieces of artillery, under Major Reynolds, Geary's chief of 
artillery, v^ere brought to bear upon the rebel position. 

General Geary moved at daylight, and threw a narrow foot- 
bridge across the creek. On this his troops crossed on the double- 
quickr— the 2d Brigade (Cobham's) leading; Greene's old Brigade, 
the 3d, commanded by Colonel Ireland, followed; next came 
Whitaker's and then Candy's. Straight up the mountain side 
the troops climbed, where the ascent was so steep that hands as 
well as feet must be used to make their way. Above their beads, 
on the rock-bound summit, fluttered the red signal flag of the 
enemy, apparently in violent agitation. But few shots were ex- 
changed until the rebel pickets were captured, and Cobham, 
h-aving reached the precipice of rock at the summit, changed 
direction, and advanced in line on the flank of the rebel camp. 
Ireland, on his left, did the sam^ — the two Brigades forming a 
line of bayonets from the precipice to the valley, and sweeping 
through the roads, over rocks, down ravines, and up again on 
the other side, right onward, without a moment's pause, into the 
rebel camp. 

The 102d New York was in advance as skirmishers, and the 
first who fell was its brave, high-souled young Major, Gilbert M. 
Elliott. The Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert Avery, lost a leg, and 
the line pressed on to avenge the loss, and came suddenly into a 
rebel camp. ^^ Put doion tliose guns,'' our boys shouted, and the 
rebels, like disciplined soldiers, obeyed the order, and went to 
the rear, guided by three or four blue-coats. By this time, the 
two Brigades were up with their skirmishers, and all pressed 
forward together, the mountain sides echoing with their cheers, 
which were taken up by Whitaker's and Candy's men, who, 
forming the second line, were trying hard to come up with those 
in advance. 

The main body of the two rebel Brigades, secure, as they 
thought, in their stronghold, awaited our troops. Onward our 
two Brigades pressed, poured in a deadly volley, and followed it 
up with glittering steel. The rebel line broke, and never rallied, 
for no time was given them. Down in the valley, the reserve 
troops saw the glorious charge, and sent up cheer after cheer, 



328 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

answered by the boys on the mountain heights, as they pressed 
on after the flying foe. In vain the enemy brought up their 
reserves, and tried to check the charge. Prisoners were quickly 
"gobbled up,'^ hundreds at a time, and sent to the rear. On 
and through the rebel earthworks, and around the brow of the 
mountain, the lines swept on in the clear sunlight, the clouds 
beneath them. Turning the sharp ridge, at the mountain brow, 
they came in sight of the thousands of troops in Chattanooga, 
who, collected on every hill in that place in great crowds, sent 
up a tremendous cheer, that echoed from mountain to mountain 
and back again, as they saw that resistless charge above the 
cloud. Never was such a sight in war before of troops, two 
thousand feet from the valley they left, sweeping forward in the 
battle charge like dark, blue, angry storm-clouds themselves. 

Here, on the face of the mountain overlooking Chattanooga, 
were strong earthworks, and the rebels seemed, for a moment, to 
think of holding them, but it_ was only for moment, for our 
troops were above them, and into them, and through them, and 
had captured their men, and their works, and their cannon, with- 
out giving them notice. 

Osterhaus' Division and Gross' Brigade had crossed Lookout 
Creek, and were now seen climbing up the mountain side. 'Ire- 
land and Cobham pushed right on, around the face of the moun- 
tain, keeping their right close up to the rocky cliflfs, and followed 
by Whitaker and Candy. 

''' The 60th New York Volunteers first reached the cannon in 
the works, and placed their flags upon them. Their Major, 
Thomas, was severely wounded in this part of the charge. From 
the summit of the 0119*8, fifty feet overhead, thundered, in angry 
spite, rebel cannon, but the depression was too great, they could 
not strike our men. Hundreds of their sharpshooters on those 
clifi's kept up a galling fire on our troops. Our sharpshooters 
quickly got to work, and returned them as good as they sent. 
This musketry fire, from the clifi's, among our lines, was kept up 
until late in the night, by the bright moonlight. On this brow 
of the mountain, Whitaker's and Candy's Brigades were halted, 
and placed in position, while Ireland and Cobham pushed on 
past the "White House," (Longstreet's former headquarters.) 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 329 

Here they were ordered to halt, form a strong line, and strengthen 
their position with stones and logs. 

Geary's first troops had crossed Lookout Creek at 8J A. M. 
They reached the White House at 12^. They had captured, on 
their way, two thousand prisoners, thousands of small arms, two 
brass cannon, and the enemy's fortifications, and had opened the 
old stage road and railroad to Chattanooga. Enough for one 
day. Osterhaus soon came up, and formed on Geary's left, con- 
necting directly with Thomas's main army. Gross's Brigade 
came up from below, and Carline's, from Chattanooga, reported 
to General Geary, and with troops from Candy's and Whitaker's 
Brigades, relieved Ireland's and Cobham's wearied men. Several 
attacks by the enemy were made on our lines on the mountain 
during the afternoon, but were quickly repulsed. Prisoners and 
deserters continued to come in all the day. Still close overhead, 
with fifty feet of inaccessible precipice between us and them, 
were rebel cannon and rebel sharpshooters. General Hooker 
directed General Geary to " strengthen his position, and hold it 
against everything ;" adding, "the enemy will probably evacuate 
the summit during the night." 

As night came on, the air became excessively cold. Our troops, 
without blankets or overcoats, built large fires, and spent a sleep- 
less night around them. General Hooker, General Geary, and 
their officers of Stafi*, were busy through the whole night. Troops 
must be arranged, the position strengthened, and large supplies 
of ammunition brought up, and issued to the men before dawn. 
Neither horse nor mule could climb the mountain ; it was enough 
for men to do without burdens. All was done, however. The 
ammunition was brought to the foot of the mountain in wagons, 
and carried in the pockets of the men up those 2,000 feet of 
weary ascent, and issued in full supply to the troops before 
break of day. 

Daylight came, and all was quiet on the mountain. The 
enemy had not fired a shot since midnight. They must have 
gone, was the conjecture; and General Geary directed men to 
scale the clifis, and solve the problem. The Stars and Stripes 
of the 8th Kentucky were taken by one man, and the " White 
Star" flag of Geary's Division by another. By the help of lad- 
ders, (placed there by the enemy,) roots and twigs, they reached 
28* 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

the summit, the Stars and Stripes a few moments ahead. The 
enemy had gone, and as the old flag of one country, one army, 
and one navy, floated triumphantly from that rock, the whole 
army on the mountain and in the valley seemed to catch the sight 
for which they were gazing into the clouds, and such cheers as 
rose were never heard before. From Major-Generals to Drum- 
mer-Boys, all were wild with excitement. A moment more, and 
the "bonnie blue flag with the single star," not of the rebel 
host, but of that veteran Division who had stormed and carried 
Lookout, stood side by side with the Stars and Stripes, and 
Geary's brave boys, who had followed that flag on the Potomac, 
the Shenandoah, the Rappahannock, the Rapidan, in Maryland, 
Pennsylvania, and now in Tennessee, were prouder than ever 
before, when, as they thought of Wauhatchie, they stood around 
their General on Lookout. 

There, too, among them on that mountain, was Hooker, his 

straight, soldierly form swaying with the excitement, as he 

cheered with the rest, and his keen gray eye, beaming with 

• exultation and congratulation to his troops, as they gave three 

times three for " Uncle Joe." 

A garrison was placed on top of the mountain, and a signal 
station established, and a reconnoitring party sent out along the 
mountain. Your correspondent accompanied the party. Some 
two hundred stragglers from the rebel army were picked up, 
and it was ascertained that their main force had evacuated dur- 
ing the night in utmost haste, leaving their camps, supplies, and 
most of their baggage and stores. At Summertown, one mile 
from the point of Lookout, we found twenty thousand rations of 
excellent hard bread, and quite a quantity of meal and flour. A 
short distance beyond were the camps of three Brigades. The 
haste with which they had been abandoned was proved by the 
tents left standing, and the quantity of arms, clothing and bag- 
gage left there. From the comfortable appearance of the camps, 
and the quantity of supplies and clothing, I judged that the 
enemy had expected to remain in that position a considerable 
time, and, probably, to winter there. 

Such is the history of the capture of Lookout Mountain, an 
achievement which, in its nature, has no parallel in the history 
of war. 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 331 

When before did troops, in plain sight of the enemy, cross a 
deep creek, guarded by the foe, and storm, successfully, a moun- 
tain 3,000 feet high, up whose sides man could barely climb, 
driving everything before them, and this without a single re- 
pulse, or even pause in the charge ? 

Hooker's plans, with Geary as the executive, have proved liril- 
liant successes throughout. Never were two Generals better 
suited to each other, or to the troops they command. 

Nov. 25th. Just as our banner waved over Lookout, on the 
morning of this day, Sherman, having crossed near the mouth 
of South Chickamauga, Opened the attack on the rebel right, 
full eight miles distant from Hooker's position. The fighting on 
that flank was hard, and lasted the entire day. About 10 A. M. 
Hooker received orders to march his force from Lookout Moun- 
tain, across Chattanooga Valley, five miles, and attack the enemy's 
left. The rebel troops from Lookout and Chattanooga Valley 
had been withdrawn during the night to Mission Ridge, and 
there his whole army, by this morning, was in position in nearly 
a straight line, his right resting on the Tennessee River, and his 
left reaching six miles beyond on the ridge. Sherman, as I have 
said, attacked Bragg's right early in the morning. About noon. 
Granger and Palmer attacked the centre. By 3 P. M., Hooker, 
with Geary's, Osterhaus', and Cruft's Divisions, had crossed the 
valley, and attacked their left. This attack was made by Geary's, 
Cruft's, and Osterhaus' Divisions. Cruft gained the top of the 
ridge to the left of the rebel lines, and attacked them on their 
flank, while Geary charged up the side of the ridge, in their 
front. This simultaneous attack of the two Divisions broke the 
rebel left, and they fled in great confusion into the Chickamauga 
Valley beyond, leaving an entire Brigade prisoners in Hooker's 
hands. General John C. Breckinridge barely escaped capture. 
His son, a Lieutenant of his Staff, was among the prisoners 
taken. 

The attack of Granger and Palmer on the enemy's centre had 
proved equally successful ; while Sherman, after a day of hard 
fighting, had carried their right. By sunset of the 25th, Missiop 
Ridge, with thousands of prisoners and a large quantity of can- 
non and small arms, was in our possession, and the enemy was 
in rapid retreat, with shattered columns, across the Chickamauga. 



332 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

Of the fighting this day of the Corps under Sherman, Granger, 
and Palmer, I cannot speak in detail, as my observations were 
confined throughout to the right wing, under Hooker. I must 
not be supposed, therefore, to detract from the gallant deeds of 
those troops who carried the enemy's right and centre. I yimply 
leave them to be told by correspondents who know what occurred 
there. 

Early on the morning of the 26th, Hooker was ordered to 
march to Ringgold, by way of Rossville, while the other Corps 
followed the route taken by the main army of Bragg in retreat. 
At Chickamauga Station, Bragg's depot of supplies, the enemy 
had burned their stores and trains. At numerous other points 
their camps and trains could also be seen burning. Hooker 
moved according to order, Johnson's Division, of Palmer's Corps, 
having reinforced his column. All along the route across Chicka- 
mauga and Pea Vine Valleys, were evidences of the rate at which 
Bragg was retreating, in the shape of abandoned caissons and 
wagons. A host of rebel stragglers were picked up and sent to 
the rear. The enemy, of course, had destroyed every bridge, 
and to rebuild 'these the pursuing column had to make some 
delay. The troops had been without rations for twelve hours, 
and had passed two nights on the battle-fields they had won 
without overcoats or blankets, for the most part ; but there were 
no laggards in the chase. Bridges for the infantry were thrown 
across the West Chickamauga and Pea Vine Creeks, as we came 
to them, and the horses crossed by swimming. 

The only artillery with Hooker was two sections of Knapp's 
Pennsylvania Battery, (10-pounder Parrots.) The troops crossed 
Pea Vine Creek during the afternoon of the 26th, but the stream 
was too deep to ford, and a bridge, for the artillery to cross, was 
not completed until eight next morning. This delay, unavoida- 
ble, it seems, cost us some valuable lives at Ringgold. 

At dusk on the 26th, Hooker's column neared Greyville. A 
Brigade of Breckinridge's command was close ahead, and not 
far beyond a large portion of Bragg's army lay resting near 
Ringgold. Suddenly the skirmishers of Johnson's Division 
(which was in advance) came upon Ferguson's battery, one gun 
of which we had captured the day before. With a volley and a 
rousing cheer, the skirmishers, who were a detachment of the 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 333 

15th United States Infantry, rushed upon the battery, and with- 
out a shot from the enemy, captured it and eighty prisoners. 
The noise gave the alarm to the rebel rear-guard, as we after- 
wards learned, and they hastily moved on and joined the maia 
body near Ringgold. The night was very dark, the country 
much broken with narrow ravines, and before us was the deep 
stream of East Chickamauga, and the column bivouacked for 
the night within four miles of Ringgold, Johnson^s Division 
taking position at Greyville, and the rest of the command on the 
main road from Rossville to Ringgold. At daylight, on the 27th, 
the column moved forward, Osterhaus leading, Geary following, 
and Cruft bringing up the rear. In sight of Ringgold, our ad- 
vance came upon the bivouac fires of Breckinridge's troops* the 
night before, and captured a number of stragglers still lingering 
there. Close the other side of Ringgold, the railroad passes 
through a narrow gap in Taylor's Ridge, which is a continuous 
range, rather higher and steeper than Mission Ridge, and running 
in the same general direction, north and south. Here, in the 
gap, and on the summit of the ridge, on each side, Cleburn's 
Division was posted to resist our advance, and enable the main 
rebel army to get well on their way to Dalton, with their trains 
and artillery. At 7J A. M., Osterhaus entered the town, and 
immediately formed his lines under heavy fire, at the foot of the 
ridge, and pushed forward heavy skirmishers. Geary following 
immediately, sent his 1st Brigade, under Colonel Creighton, of 
the 7th Ohio, some distance to the left of Osterhaus, with orders 
to charge up the steep ridge at a point on the rebel flank, where 
their line seemed weak. When he gained the crest, Creighton 
was to charge impetuously along the ridge, sweeping everything 
before him. Creighton executed the movement with great 
rapidity, but the enemy divining his object quickly, massed a 
heavy force above him, and poured a sweeping fire down the 
slope. Still, the 1st Brigade steadily advanced, the 7th ^ Ohio 
and 28th Pennsylvania in front, and the dashing Creighton fore- 
most of all. 

Their skirmishers had reached the crest, and the 7th Ohio, 
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, was within twenty 
yards of the summit, when they received a terrible volley from 
three sides. Every officer of the 7th, excepting two, fell there. 



334 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

Creighton and Crane fell dead within a few feet of each other. 
They were the bravest of the brave — such officers as you cannot 
replace, and their loss causes unusual mourning, for all loved and 
a,dmired,them. The historic 7th fell slowly back, carrying their 
wounded and some of their dead with them. Still the Brigade 
held its position on the slope of the hill, until withdrawn by 
General Geary. After the battle, less than one hundred men, 
and but two officers, could answer to the roll-call in the ranks of 
the 7th. The regiment had long been the pride of the Division. 
In drill, discipline, and courage, it was a model, and its proud 
flag was inscribed with twenty-five battle-fields. Of all its bat- 
tles, that of Taylor's Ridge struck the heaviest blow to the 7th. 

While Creighton's Brigade, for two hours, was fighting on the 
extreme left, Osterhaus was not idle. His entire Division was 
warmly engaged, and handled with great skill, but they could 
not force back the strongly-posted lines of the enemy, who, also, 
had a section of artillery in the gap, which poured grape and 
shrapnell into our troops. About 11 o'clock, the enemy, by 
a combined musketry and artillery fire, forced back the right of 
Osterhaus' Division from in front of the gap. Quick as a flash, 
Hooker detected the movement, and Ireland's and Cobham's 
Brigades, from Geary's Division, were double-quicked- to the 
right, and sent the rebels back again, capturing two battle- 
flags, and sustaining the battle on the right until the close, at 
1 o'clock. 

For hours the Generals had watched for the arrival of Major 
Reynolds, with his artillery. , The bridge-building over Pea Vine 
had kept him back, but now, at noon, his guns came thundering 
up, wheeled into position, and opened on the enemy's artillery. 
Two shots silenced their troublesome guns, and they rumbled 
hastily away, and were afterwards captured. Then the muzzles 
of the Major's Parrots were turned to the crest of the ridge, and 
beautifully the shells burst just where they were wanted. The 
enemy was evidently withdrawing across the bridge the other 
, side of the gap, and, under cover of our artillery fire, several 
regiments of Osterhaus' advanced and reached the crest, and the 
battle was over. The enemy had withdrawn and fired the bridge. 
Our skirmishers went through the gap on the double-quick, cap- 
tured a few prisoners, and extinguished the fire. During the 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 335 

fight, Cruft's Division and Palmer's Corps came up, but were 
not brought into action. 

Towards the close, General Grant arrived, and suspended fur- 
ther pursuit. Our army Tvas v^ithout artillery, and most of 
Hooker's men had been twenty-four hours without rations. The 
country between Ringgold and Dalton is broken, and often miry, 
and a pursuing army would be at great disadvantage passing 
beyond Taylor's Ridge. 

Such is a faithful history of General Hooker's share in the 
brilliant battles of the 24th, 25th, and 27th November. 

The record is a brilliant one, and fully justifies the wisdom of 
the selection made by President Lincoln, when he designated 
Hooker as the man to come from the East to the West, to the 
relief of our noble Army of the Cumberland. 

Before crossing Lookout Creek to storm the mountain, General 
Geary called his Stafi" and Brigade commanders around him, 
and after assigning to each his part, said: "Gentlemen, we 
must not fail. I intend carrying this mountain in true Stonewall 
Jackson style." And so the deed was done. 

While our advance lines were sweeping the mountain heights 
in their resistless charge, among the hundreds of captured rebels 
was one, who, finding our bullets father close to him for comfort, 
jumped behind a rock. As our troops came up, he stepped out, 
unbuckled and dropped his cartridge-bos, and introduced him- 
self by saying, with a comical shake of the head, " How are you^ 
Southern Confederacy?" 

Maj-or Gilbert M. Elliott, 102d New York Volunteers, was the 
first man shot. He was in command of a line of skirmishers, 
and was a conspicuous mark, wearing on his breast a rich gold 
and silver star, the badge of General Geary's Stafi", of which he 
was formerly a member, and bearing on his arm his overcoat 
cape, with the red lining outward. The ball that struck him 
severed an artery, and before he could be carried to the hospital, 
all but a few drops of his life-blood had ebbed. Still he was 
conscious, and when the Doctor said, " My dear boy, you have 
but fifteen minutes to live, what shall I tell your friends for 
you?" " Tell them I died a brave man," he answered, and died. 
He was widely known in the army, and all who knew him loved 
him, and mourned as for a brother lost, yet only gone before. 



336 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

The Major was barely twenty-one years of age, and a young 
officer of rare ability and promise. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Avery, of the same regiment, lost a leg. 
At the battle of Chancellorsville, he was, as supposed, mortally 
wounded through the mouth and neck, but, after suffering by his 
wounds from May 3d until the middle of October, he rejoined his 
regiment just before Hooker crossed the Tennessee. He was still 
unfit for duty, but determined to share at the storming of Look- 
out, and fell early in the action, the bone of his leg shattered by 
a rifle-ball into twenty pieces. Honor to the brave! For all 
such a nation's gratitude should provide a full reward. 

When Osterhaus and Geary made their brilliant charge to- 
gether on the enemy's lines on Mission Ridge, Stewart's rebel 
brigade, penned up between the two, was captured entire, to- 
gether with Major Wilson and Lieutenant Breckinridge, both of 
Breckinridge's staff. The brigade of prisoners, without arms, 
were drawn up in line, and General Hooker, mounted on a dash- 
ing white horse, in company with Generals Geary and Osterhaus, 
and staffs, rode down the line, as if on review, while our own 
men, also drawn up in line, cheered vociferously. Some of the 
prisoners, especially among the officers of higher rank, looked 
proud and chagrined, but there were many who seemed rather 
better pleased to be reviewed by a Yankee general than by one 
of the Southern nobility. 

When Colonel Creighton, with his brother-in-arms, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Crane, was leading the heroic 7th Ohio in their deadly 
charge on Taylor^s Ridge, the rebels triumphantly waved the 
stars and bars in their face, and but a few paces from them : 
" Boys, do you see that flag ? Go for it ! " shouted Crane. The 
next moment a rifle-ball pierced his brain, and he fell dead with- 
out a quiver. Creighton sank on the ground, exclaiming: " My 
God, there goes Crane ! " and for a moment, in the midst of that 
hailstorm of bullets, he wept like a child ; then with sudden im- 
pulse he sprang up, and threw himself again into the thickest of 
the fight on foot with his men. In less than five minutes he too 
fell, a ball piercing near his heart. As they carried him off, in 
husky tones he shouted: " Hurrah for the first brigade! Hur- 
rah for the Union ! Tell my wife" — and died on the field. Ohio 
has lost many of her noblest sons in this bloody war, and, among 
them all, never were two more heroic souls offered on the battle- 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 337 

field than those of Colonel Creighton, and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Crane. Let their names be treasured in the memory of those at 
home, as they will be by their survivors in the ** White Star 
Division. '^ 

Adjutant Baxter, of the 7th Ohio, was wounded by five bul- 
lets, and left near the crest of the hill, as the scattered remnant 
of his regiment fell back. A few hours afterwards he was found 
on the other side of the crest, where the rebels had carried him, 
and stripped "him of his clothes, boots, watch, and money, leav- 
ing him thus wounded, and almost naked, in the cold rain. 

Captain Greene, Assistant-Adjutant-General of 3d Brigade, 
General Geary's Division, while sitting on his horse, as the brig- 
ade was double-quicking, under a heavy fire, to the relief of Os- 
terhaus' right, was struck by a shell, which completely severed 
his leg, and passed through his horse, threw the Captain 
into the air in one direction, and the fragment of his leg in an- 
other. When he fell to the ground, although extremely weak, 
ho coolly took out his handkerchief, made it into a tourniquet, 
and calling a man to his assistance, applied it to the shattered limb. 
Colonel Ireland, commanding the Brigade, was by him at the 
time, and stopped a moment to offer aid. Politely the young 
Captain said : " Colonel, go on. I beg you will do me the favor 
to go on ; the men will need you. I will get along." He was 
taken to the hospital, and another amputation performed. His 
father, Brig.-General George S. Greene, has commanded that Iron 
Brigade through many a hard-fought battle ^in Virginia, Mary- 
land, and Pennsylvania, and fell severely wounded in the face 
and mouth, at the battle of Wauhatchie, the 29th of October. 

When Generals Hooker and Geary heard, amidst the roar of; 
musketry, that Creighton and Crane had fallen, those veterans 
of iron frame and unyielding spirit burst into tears. " I cannot 
spare those men — what shall I do without them ?" was their gene- 
ral exclamation. 

It is of course obvious, from what has been already said, 

that these battles were of greater advantage to us, and more 

completely surprised tho rebels and frustrated their plans, 

than any others that we have fought. The fact that they were 

29 



338 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

fought in Georgia, gives them a peculiar signij&cance. Let me 
explain. 

On the 28th of November, 1732, James Oglethrope em- 
barked from England, with one hundred and twenty emi- 
grants, empowered by a charter from George II. to found a 
new Colony in America. In honor of his king, he called it 
Georgia. His intention was to make it an asylum for the 
impoverished and distressed, and to secure this end, the 
Colony was placed, for twenty-one years, under the guardian- 
ship of a corporation, "in trust for the poor." Although 
Great Britain was at that time monopolizing the slave trade, 
and forcing slavery upon America, Oglethrope declared that 
he would have nothing to do with human bondage. " Sla- 
very," he . said, " is against the Gospel, as well as the funda- 
mental law of England. We refused, as trustees, to make a 
law permitting such a horrid crime." The praise of Georgia 
uttered in London, in 1734, was, " Slavery, the misfortune, 
if not the dishonor, of other plantations, is absolutely pro- 
scribed. No settlement was ever before established on so 
humane a plan." 

Among those who came with Oglethrope, were the two 
Wesleys, — Charles, as his secretary, and John, anxious only 
to preach the Gospel, — and, standing by the side of the 
Founder, to say, "what have now become household words, — 
"American slavery is the sum of all villanies." 
' As early as 1738, some of the early settlers clamored 
for negro slavery; but Oglethorpe sternly rejected their 
request, declaring that if it were introduced into Georgia, 
"he would have no further concern with the Colony." 
Ambition for colonial growth,* however, and the lust of 
power and of pride, overrode the counsels of him whose name 
became known as another expression for " vast benevolence of 
soul," and in his last days, though he was unyielding, the 

* Bancroft's History of the United States, vol. iii. pp. 418- 
447 



THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 339 

trustees compromised, and slavery was established in Geor- 
gia. How significant the fact, that the strong blow under 
which American slavery certainly totters to its death, should 
be struck on soil which, one hundred and thirty-one years be- 
fore, was set apart as the home of the poor, the destitute, and 
the oppressed ! Surely, '' The mill of God grinds slowly, buC 
it grinds exceedingly small !" 

Missionary Ridge has a history that is very significant. 
This land originally belonged to the Cherokees, to whom, in 
1799, Rev. Abraham Steiner was sent, by the Society of 
United Brethren, Moravians, to ask permission to establish a 
school for the benefit of the native children. He pressed the 
subject with great zeal in the National Council, backed by the 
ofiicers of our Government, but was utterly refused. In 1800, 
he went ou4; again, renewed his application, and was again 
refused ; but, before the close of the council, two influential 
Chiefs agreed to patronize the school independent of the 
National Council, and offered a place near the residence of 
one of them, on land which he had cleared. The other chiefs 
did not, after this, press their opposition. The Chief who 
owned the Ridge built the first wagon made among the Cher- 
okees, for which he was severely censured by the Council, 
and forbidden the use of such a vehicle. But he did not 
regard their mandate. The objection was, ^^ If you have a 
wagon, there must be wagon roads, and if wagon roads, the 
whites will be among us."* A second Abraham has now 
opened a new school, in which human equality and human 
rights shall be taught; he has made a new road, and what 
shall hinder the Car of Freedom from running to and fro 
upon it ? 

With respect to Lookout Mountain, the Philadelphia 
" Ledger" makes the following sus^gestions : — 



* Report of American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, for 1820. 



340 THE IMPORTANT VICTORIES. 

What shall he done with this mountain, henceforth to he 
world-renowned? It is by nature a sort of place which, for sum- 
mer resort, is unequalled throughout the whole Southern States. 
Summertown, on the top of it, is a truly wonderful place. The 
beautiful Lake at the top, and salubrity and coolness of the air, 
have long caused it to be a favorite place for those whose consti- 
tutions were run down by the almost tropical heat of Georgia 
and South Carolina. All of the facts point it out as a place to 
be taken possession of by the United States Government for all 
coming time, as both a military position, to be gradually fortified 
as carefully and impregnably as England has fortified Gibraltar, 
and also as a hospital for the worn soldiers of the United States 
service. 

Here and at Atlanta the railroads branch in such a manner as 
to make access naturally easy to every part of the Union,*while 
the supplies of food, which are so abundant, and the loyal char- 
acter of the inhabitants of the whole of East Tennaesee, render 
it desirable that a strong and influential depot of the United 
States should here be established. Indeed, something of this 
kind seems not only a desirable arrangement, but a military 
necessity. And as the associations of West Point, where the 
treason of Benedict Arnold was detected and defeated, caused it 
to be selected as the place for the education of our military 
officers, so will this mountain ever inspire henceforth terror to 
the foes of the Union, and strength and loyalty to all who shall 
approach its invigorating artmosphere. 



THE VETERANS, 341 



XX. 

THE VETERANS. 

The Government having offered a generous bounty of four 
hundred dollars, and the privilege of thirty days' furlough to 
all troops re-enlisting, who had been in the service two years 
or more, and the 60th, being much cheered by the prospect 
opened by thfe late battles, began immediately after the vic- 
tory at Einggold, to agitate the necessity and duty of their 
joining the response, 

We are springing to the call for three hundred thousand more, 

Shouting the battle-cry of freedom ; 
And we'll fill the vacant ranks of our brothers gone before. 
Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. 
The Union for ever ! hurrah, boys, hurrah ! 
Down with the traitor, up with the star ; 
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again, 
Shouting the battle-cry of freedom ! 

On the 14th of December, Lieutenant Cornish was appointed 
Recruiting Officer, and, after three-fourths of those in the De- 
partment had re-enlisted. Colonel Godard went to General 
Thomas to know what could be done, as the number re-enlist- 
ing did not comprise three-fourths of the aggregate strength 
of the regiment. General Thomas telegraphed the War De- 
partment for permission to send the 60th home, stating the 
necessity and justice of the request. General Hooker warmly 
seconded the effort, and the Secretary of War telegraphed 
consent. 

29* 



342 THE VETERANS, 

On the 24tli tlie regiment was mustered out, and re-mus- 
tered hs tlie Sixtieth Kegiment New York State Veteran 
Volunteers. They also received the following order : 

Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, 
Chattanooga, Tenn., Dec. 24, 1863. 

Special Field Orders, ) 
No. 345. J 

(Extract.) 

* * , * * 4f * * 

VIII. The 60th New York Infantry having been duly mus- 
tered as a Veteran Regiment, will proceed to Ogdensburgh, New 
York, under command of Colonel Abel Godard, who, upon his 
arrival at that place, will report, through the Governor of New 
York, to*the Superintendent of Recruiting Service for that State, 
for the furlough of thirty days granted veteran volunteers, and 
for the re-organization and recruiting of the regiment. 

All men of the regiment who are not eligible to re-enlist as 
veteran volunteers, on account of having more than one year to 
serve, will be permitted to accompany the regiment upon giving 
a promise, in writing, that they will so re-enlist, when they be- 
come eligible. 

All other individuals, who fail to re-enlist as veterans will be 
permanently transferred to some other regiment under the 
Nuperintendence of Major-General Slocum, commanding 12th 
Corps, and will not be permitted to accompany the regiment on 
furlough. 

At the expiration of the furlough, the regiment will report, in 
a body, for duty with its Brigade. 

The Quartermaster's Department will furnish transportation 
for the regiment going and coming. 
By command of 

Major-General GEO. H. THOMAS. 

WM. McMICHAEL, 

Major and A. A. Gen'l. 

«M. S.," of the 149th New York, paid the following well- 
deserved compliment to the 60th, in a communication to tho 
" Onondaga Standard ;" 



THE VETERANS. 343 

The re-enlistment mania is also up to fever heat in this section, 
and nearly all the two-year regiments are making arrangements 
to comply with the order. In our 3d Brigade the only regiment 
that has yet complied with the order is the 60th New Yc^rk Vol- 
unteers, from St. Lawrence County, and they are expecting 
orders to start for home to-morrow. This regiment is commanded 
by Colonel Godard, one of the bravest and best officers in the 
service, and is composed of as noble a set of young men as can 
be found in or out of the army. They have seen hard service for 
over two years, and been our companion s-in-arms for about one 
year. A deep and lasting feeling of affection has sprung up be- 
tween the two regiments, and men who have so frequently 
confronted danger and death together, naturally regard each 
other with the warmest feelings of brotherhood. The gallant 
men of the 60th are noble representatives of the home of Silas 
Wright and Preston King, and reflect honor on the State from 
which they hail. We hope to see them return with ranks well 
filled and strength renewed to battle bravely for the Union. 

In connection with the departure of the 60th Regiment, I 
might mention an incident of the battle of Ringgold, which 
illustrates the close relations and friendly feeling existing be- 
tween the 149th and the gallant northern New Yorkers. Dur- 
ing the hottest of the battle, our men sheltered themselves in a 
barn, and while occupying their position, one of our Captains 
was accosted by two privates of the 60th, who had somehow be- 
come separated from their command, and asked permission to 
join our regiment and fight in the ranks. Of course permission 
was freely granted, and a place of shelter was pointed out to the 
two volunteers. They took the position assigned them, at an 
opening in the barn, and standing face to face with each other, 
one firing with his right hand and the other with his left, they 
fought during the whole engagement, and doubtless many a rebel 
felt the effects of this right and left-hanfled bombardment. 

The next day, Christmas, the regiment started for home 
nothing worthy of note marking their journey to Louisville 
where they stopped four days, and were provided with green- 
backs by Paymaster Major Stone. Arriving:; at the north 



344 THE VETERANS. 

bank of the Ohio, they marched to the Jeffersonville Railroad 
Station, where with the mercury several degrees below zero, 
they took transportation, in some well-ventilated cattle-cars, 
for Indianapolis, a distance of one hundred and eight miles, 
which they coolly and wearily passed over in twenty-two hours ! 

Leaving Indianapolis on Sunday morning, January 4th, 
they arrived at Cleveland the next morning, and, on the even- 
ing of the same day, took cars on the New York Central Road 
for Buffalo. At Oneida, the train stopped, as usual, and 
the boys went into a saloon to obtain some refreshments. The 
proprietor, thinking to make a good haul from their well- 
stored pockets, had the foolishness to rate his apple-pies at 
fifty cents each. The boys " couldn't see it," and calling him 
" a d — d copperhead," at once relieved the shop of its con- 
tents, just in time to secure their seats in the train, already in 
motion. 

Only one more change of cars awaited these noble men, 
and that would bring them to the spot which had often ap- 
peared to them in their dreams on far-away fields. This 
change was made at Rome, where the Rome, Watertown and 
Ogdensburgh Railroad was to be the means of landing them 
at home. As they neared St. Lawrence County, their hearts 
fluttering with delight, suddenly, when about a mile west of 
Antwerp, there came a thump, a crash, a pitch forward and a 
lurch sideways, and the first four cars were thrown down the 
embankment. General destruction was expected, but no lives 
were lost, and but a few injured. The Quartermaster and 
several of the men of his department, were asleep in a for- 
ward car, lying on the baggage, the Field and Staff horses 
being at the forward end of the same. Down went baggage 
and men on top of the horses, but no one was hurt there, the 
horses bearing the brunt of the shock, and coming out of it a 
little bruised. Remaining at Antwerp through the night and 
a part of the next day, the regiment arrived, on the evening 
of Wednesday, the 6th, at Ogdensburgh, where they found 



THE VETERANS. 345 

large crowds assembled at the Station, to give them a hearty 
welcome, and escort them to the Town Hall, which was 
warmed and thrown open for their accommodation 3 after 
which a repast composed of everything hungry soldiers could 
desire, was served up at the Morton House. 

The next morning, after breakfast, the regiment marched 
to Eagle Hall, where a formal reception was given them by - 
the citizens. After prayer by Rev. L. L. Miller, Hon. C. G-.' 
Myers welcomed the brave men, in a beautiful and eloquent 
address, which was received with great applause. Colonel 
Godard responded in a speech full of feeling and patriotism. 
Quartermaster Merritt then made a presentation to Hon. Pres- 
ton King, of a cane cut on Lookout Mountain, overlooking the 
place where the fight was severest. I regret that I am not 
able to give the speech and the response ; also that it is out of 
my power to do other than follow the newspaper report of the 
reception. I had hoped to have obtained a synopsis of all the 
speeches, but as they were all impromptu, the speakers do not 
sufficiently trust their memory of what they said, to justify 
the attempt to write out their remarks. 

The compliment to Mr. King was eminently just. He has 
ever been a deeply interested friend to the regiment, and has 
in many an emergency done it good service. Nor have his 
services and good wishes been confined to the 60th. As a 
Senator he was always laboring for the efficiency of the mili- 
tary service, and the well-being of all who were engaged in it. 

Adjutant Wilson, having been shown a collection of war- 
relics in possession of Colonel R. W. Judson, made that gen- 
tleman a present of a cane, the fellow to that which Mr. King 
had just received. Both gentlemen responded in feeling and 
patriotic remarks ; at the conclusion of which, the re^nment 
went down to the street and performed several military evolu- 
tions. Shortly after, they received their furloughs, and de- 
parted for their several homes. 

After the regiment went home it was my privilege to pay a 



346 THE VETERANS. 

visit to St. Lawrence County, where I had the happiness of 
meeting again many of the officers and men. To me it was 
a great privilege, for the memory of the days whose chief 
incidents I have endeavored to sketch in the preceding pages, 
draws them to my heart with a strong and peculiar affection. 

I went on an errand of consolation. Captain Fitch had 
been the superintendent of my Sunday-school during the 
last two years of my residence in Canton. His family were 
attendants on my ministry. It was not unnatural that they 
should request me to come and preach to them a sermon 
appropriate to the death of James, nor was it unnatural that I 
should feel a melancholy satisfaction in complying. 

Rev. Mr.Waugh kindly tendered the use of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, a building much more commodious than the Uni- 
versalist house which stood opposite, and took part in the ser- 
vices, reading the ever appropriate and beautiful Twenty-third 
Psalm. Rev. Dr. Fisher made a prayer in which he bore the 
supplications and thanksgivings of the entire concourse to the 
Divine Throne, and I gave in substance the following sermon, 
omitting here only that portion which attempted a historical 
sketch of the regiment. 

I publish the Discourse here, not because I have a desire to 
blazon my own efforts on these pages, but for better and more 
important reasons. First, because of a very generally expressed 
wish that it should be preserved in this way ; and second, from 
an earnest desire on my own part that all who may read this 
book, whose loved ones have died in the Army of the Union, 
whether from disease, or in the strife of battle, may consider 
and apply to themselves, its general truths and comforts. 

SERMON. 

" Have faith in God."— Mark xi. 22. 

^ Something more than two years ago, I stood within the church 
opposite, where I had endeavored, according to the best of my 
judgment and ability for five years, then ending, to preach the 
gospel, and announcing my intention to enter with others who 



THE VETERANS. 347 

had there worshipped with me, a new and wholly untried field 
of labor and duty, addressed a few words of farewell to those 
who were to remain, exhorting them, in the language of Jude, 
" to build themselves up in their most holy faith ; " and now coming 
here to meet some of those who entered on that new duty with 
me, and to tender Christian consolation to those who remained, 
I feel that I can bring nothing before you that shall be so appro- 
priate, as a fresh consideration of this our great duty and privi- 
lege, faith in God. 

I am to speak to you of the death of one tenderly loved in his 
home, to whom his companions in arms were warmly attached, and 
who, whether much or little known by the community generally, 
now, by his death, and the manner of it, is embalmed in your 
memories forever, as a hero soldier to whom death had no terrors, 
who smiled as others wept when they thought of his fate, who 
cheered for the victory bought by his own ebbing blood, and com- 
forted those who were unreconciled to his departure. What he 
urged upon the consideration of those, some of whom are now 
here, I urge on this family of which he was a most gentle and 
faithful member, and on this concourse who, in their sympathy 
for them, honor him — have faith in God. 

Not alone, my friends, the circumstances peculiar to this hour, 
but those which have for several years past marked the condition 
of our country, and those attendant upon it now, enforce upon us 
this religious, this peculiarly Christian privilege. 

Engaged for the past three years in attempting to suppress a 
rebellion whose power and magnitude we did not for a long time 
estimate, and even the animus of which many were slow to dis- 
cover, how often we have been dispirited, despondent, discouraged, 
almost faithless ; and yet, looking back upon it from our present 
standpoint, how poor and mean seem the doubts which then dis- 
turbed us, the gloom and complaint into which we then fell. 

So the war, while it has depressed, has also enlightened, com- 
forted, and quickened our faith. 

Men came forward in the time of peril, and in the dark and 
stormy hour ; idolatry of a fancied pet and favorite leader was 
destroyed by glorious victories under other commanders, and a 
clearer apprehension of what had caused the rebellion and of 
what must be utterly removed before the strife could end, took 



348 THE VETERANS 

possession of our hearts, animated our purposes, and has now 
enabled us to see more clearly the sure coming end — sure as God 
is true, and is for the right ! 

In the victories which have led us to this hopefulness, and have 
inspired us with this confidence that the hand of God and the 
goodness of his infinite wisdom is plainly to be discovered in the 
issue sure to be consummated when the strife shall close, James 
C. Fitch, and his companions, both the living and the dead, bore 
a prominent and a glorious part. 

Of course I could not, nor would it be necessary, if possible, 
give you here a history of this band of men ; but I may, not 
unprofitably, I trust not inappropriately, allude to some of the 
incidents showing the vicissitudes through which they have 
passed. You doubtless remember their healthy and manly ap- 
pearance as in November of 1861, they left for the seat of war. 
Their splendid bearing, both physical and intellectual, was 
remarked by the crowds who flocked at every railroad station to 
greet and cheer them as they passed through the State. They 
were hopeful, confident, and full of spirit. In nine days there- 
after, I joined them, and what a change ! * * * 
•3$- -x- * -s^- * * * 

In all these scenes of sickness, James Fitch was either a suf- 
ferer, as in the winter of '61, '62, or a true brother, a faithful 
nurse, in the terrible summer of '62. In all these battles, and 
in others of lesser note, James was a faithful soldier. In camp, 
a loved companion : gentle in spirit, pure in morals, steadfast in 
integrity. How he died, you all know. Not unlike one other, 
known to most of you, a young minister of the gospel, Rev. 
William L. Gilman, who, I know, is now beloved by you all. 
You remember him, while he was a student in the Theological 
School here, as a young man of pure life, active in doing good, 
and of humble and modest deportment. While lying on the 
ground with his regiment, the 32d Mass. Vols., at the battle of 
Gettysburg, he was severely wounded, the ball passing through 
his leg," and would have entered his abdomen, had it not been 
arrested in its progress by a copy of the New Testament in his 
blouse pocket. The last dent made by the ball in its progress 
through the book, being at that memorable verse, ''This is a 



THE VETERANS. 849 

faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, .that Christ Jesus 
came into the world to save sinners ; of whom I am chief." 

The Rev. Mr. Hall, a Baptist clergyman, of Philadelphia, 
went to Gettysburg for the purpose of looking after a wounded 
son, and was induced to visit Mr. Gilman l*y the representations 
of a clergyman, whose sympathies were strongly with the rebels, 
that the morals of the wounded were likely to be injured by the 5 
influence of a Universalist preacher over in the barn, who was | 
remarkably light-hearted, and was constantly preaching his 
stuff. 

"I found him,'^ said Mr. Hall, to me, "very cheerful, and 
doing all in his power to make all around him resigned. My 
heart went out to him at once, and I love(5 him for the good he 
was doing. There were more than a hundred wounded men in 
the barn, and he had some patient, hopeful, cheerful word for 
every one who moaned in pain 01: grief. After conversing with 
him awhile, I went to another portion of the barn, and inquired 
of some who were badly wounded there, how they were getting 
along. They answered that they w:ere doing well, but that they 
should be very much depressed and home-sick, if it were not for 
somebody over the other end of the room, they did not know who 
he was, but he said he had lost a leg, who was, by his cheerful 
and Christian talk, putting a strong and happy heart into every 
one of them." 

Not many days after, secondary hemorrhage having set in, 
this noble young man died. "If it be God's will," said he, " I 
would like to recover ; but, if death ensue, I do not regret the 
sacrifice I make to crush out this rebellion." Closing his eyes, 
he said, as he fell asleep, "I don't regret leaving this world for 
a new and wider field of labor. Faith in God is strong, No 
fears. All is bright !" 

Not unlike his death, I say, was the departure of Sergeant 
Fitch, uttering words of cheer, comfort, faith, to his brother and 
his companions. 

Under these circumstances, it may be esteemed an honor (sore, 
unutterable grief though it be) to these parents who have been 
called to give up their noble and gentle son, the object of their 
love and hope, to God and their country, to the whole race whom 
Christ came to save ! 
30 



S50 THE VETERANS. 

Killed in battle for the Union ! No prouder epitaph need any 
man covet. Who, of all who have occupied these houses, and 
tilled these fields, building, planting, reaping, and returning to 
the dust whence they were taken, who of them all has earned a 
nobler memorial? 'Who, of all who dwell here, will merit a 
more affectionate, honored remembrance, than the young volun- 
teer who, from this community, went forth to fight, and, as the 
event proved, to die for his country ? 

Died in the Army of the West, though belonging to the oft- 
dispirited, sorely tried, and unfortunate Army of the East! Do 
you know what that means? It means. Died to break down and 
forever destroy the jealousies which were growing up between 
two sections of the same noble Army of the Union. Jealousies 
which you, who have not been in the field, know nothing of, 
which were growing strong, and producing most disastrous re- 
sults, but which Wauhatchie, Lookout, Missionary Ridge, and 
Ringgold have done away with forever. No more taunts on the 
noble Army of the Potomac ; no more sneers. They have led 
the front in every strife since they went to the West ; they have 
especially distinguished themselves under the White Star, till 
now, the Army of the Potomac is the synonym of the noblest 
soldiery ! 

It means also. Died to chasten the insolence which had grown 
inordinate through a series of successes. It means, Died to 
restore confidence, courage, and hope to a country saddened and 
despondent through long-continued disaster. It means, Died to 
turn back the oft threatening torrent of invasion and pillage. It 
means, Died to still the panic fear which, especially in the great 
cities of our land, filled all hearts. It means, Died that mothers 
might put their children in security to their night's rest. It 
means, Died that the noble hearts of East Tennessee might feel 
that their State is placed beyond reach of a cruel foe ; and that 
you and I might be assured that insurrection and riot, theft and 
robbery, conflagration and red-handed murder might not range 
at will — not in New York and Boston alone, but in every city, 
every town, every village in the land, where men, worse than the 
tories who "tried the souls of our fathers,'^ now seek to thwar* 
the noble purposes of the Government. For what was experienced 
in New York city is but a small sample of what must, in all prob- 



THE VETERANS. 351 

ability, have Ijeen experienced throughout the North, had the 
men who died for the Union faltered at that battle at whose close 
our dying volunteer cheered for the victory that was purchased 
with his own blood. 

What a rebuke to that infernal spirit of sympathy with rebel- 
lion, which even here, in this far North, this home of the heroes 
of so many fields, this spot where, of all others, the inspirations 
of a noble democracy, as exemplified in the career of him who 
rests benea,th yonder Marble Shaft, should vitalize all the patriotic 
sentiments of every man and child, has yet, as I feel, and as you 
surely know, wanted only the occasion for outbreak from such 
men as they, who, when the remains of the honored dead of An- 
tietam — a man known in all these home's as one of upright life 
and of integrity of purpose — were brought and laid before this 
altar, that here words of Christian comfort might be spoken to 
those who wept for him, and the last service the living can ren- 
der to the dead might be tenderly and lovingly performed, stood 
aloof from it all, refusing to do honor to the patriot who had died 
for their highest earthly good ! 

Shame, shame to such monsters in human form ! But, thanks 
to Almighfoy God, that the ofiering up of the pure life at Ring- 
gold has made it certain that the memory of all who love not 
their couijtry shall rot ! 

Died at Ringgold ! It means, Died that the best Government 
on which the sun ever shone might not be bound and powerless, 
calling in vain for the succor which would not come ; but that, 
through the victory purchased by that death, these noble men 
who survive so many perils, might return to their homes, and, 
filling up their broken ranks, go back to complete the work 
which, we trust in God, is now well nigh accomplished — the res- 
toration of our noble Union! It means, in the noblest and 
highest sense, Died for the land's salvation ; 'Died for the opening 
of the prison-doors to them that are unjustly bound ; Died to pro- 
claim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance 
of our God, to the oppressed nations of the earth ; Died that men 
might still hope and struggle upward to life and liberty, civil 
and religious ; Died that a field for Christian enterprise might 
be opened in our own land, more wide-spread and more impor- 
tant than any of which we have yet taken possession ; Died that 



352 THE VETERANS. 

Christians might not, broken-hearted, retire from the effort for 
the world's conversion ; Died that God's kingdom might come, 
that His will might be done, on earth as it is in Heaven ! 

Speaking to you from the depths of my heart, and the sincerest 
convictions of my judgment, I feel and know that I have not in 
this estimate of the significance of a death in the victorious army 
of the Union, overstated its importance, its .greatness and its 
glory. You, my old companions-in-arms, inexpressibly dear to 
me by reason of so many sad and joyous memories ; you, who 
were present in that conflict at Ringgold, who have told me 
that, at its close, emotions of thankfulness were so intense that 
words could give them no expression, but clasping each other's 
hands, and looking through streaming eyes into each other's 
faces, you stood in silence, know something which others can- 
not feel, of the importance and of the consequences of that 
battle. And when the General, whose iron will is pro- 
verbial, whose unflinching sternness you have so often tested, 
stood before you to speak his thanks, his words, broken by 
soul-stirring sobs, and interrupted by the tears which fell like 
rain, you knew that a victory, unsurpassed in importance, had 
been won. 

Ah ! believe me, my hearers, it was not from unconsciousness 
that death was near, it was not a sign of the weakness which 
death creates, it was not the efi'ect of any illusion, but a full 
sense of the worth and importance of that which his fast-flowing 
blood had helped to purchase, which moved Sergeant Fitch to 
raise his almost nerveless arm and join the cheer which welcomed 
the General's congratulations ! 

Mourn not, my friends, for the departure of such a son, brother, 
companion, friend. 

If the death of such an one is a high price to pay for victory, 
consider the higher • estimate to be placed on the Government 
whose stability, and the country whose privilege of existence, 
depended on and was secured by that victory. Think how much 
it has done to increase our faith in God, that He cares for our 
affairs, and will, for us, as a nation, " do all things well.'^ 

And then consider this, that the Gospel comes witk special ap- 
propriateness to every sad and troubled heart. He who brought 
it to earth declares that He is " sent to heal the broken-hearted ;" 



THE VETERANS. 353 

He pronounces them "blessed" who mourn; He assures the sor- 
rowing, " I will not leave you comfortless." When, therefore,Chri8t 
calls on you to have faith in God, a confidence which you are so 
conscious of needing for your stay and support, consider how his 
teachings encourage it, and what a blessed recompense follows. 

He teaches you that God is Love; infinite, perfect, everlasting 
Love. If you receive and understand this, what blessed results 
follow. All your aff'ection was bestowed by Him ; your love can 
never exceed His. 

He assures you that God is your Father. How comforting, 
then, the assurance that His love is no undesigned, forced, acci- 
dental expression of Himself, but the only natural display. You 
can therefore trust Him to do all that a Father can accomplish. 
Yes, more than is possible for earthly parents to do, for " If ye, 
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how 
much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good 
things to them that ask him V How frequent and how various 
are the illustrations our Saviour gives us of God's Paternity, 
drawn from the human father and the human home. Go over 
the New Testament and erase these from it, a^d what a strangely 
mutilated book remains ! 

He promises to bring all the families of the earth to Himself. 
How patiently, then, we can wait for the end. How abundant 
our comfort in its anticipation. 

He tells us that He is the true image of God ; that when we 
read of His deeds, words, and love, we read of God's truth, spirit, 
and disposition. Dear friends, this is all that you and I need ! 
Did we heartily receive and believe it, how our doubt, fear and 
sorrow would pass away. 

I commend to you all, then, the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the 
source of that faith which alone comforts. Parents, bind it closer 
to your hearts. Brothers, accept its precepts and its doctrines. 
Sisters, believe its blessed assurance, " Thy brother shall rise 
again." Friends and neighbors, turn not from, but cleave to it. 
Companions-in-arms ! in camp, I have spoken to you of its worth ; 
in the hospital, of its value ; on the battle-field, of its import-* 
ance ; and, at the close of deadly strife, of its abundant comforts ! 
For all that it is, I commend it to you again. God, help you to 
make it your stafi", and your exceeding great reward ! 
30* 



354 THE VETERANS. 

What, my hearers, it has, and can do, for any one, or for any 
class, that is it for us all, and for all our race — the helper to our 
attaining that on -which all hope and comfort must be based — 
faith in God. 

As these pages go to press, the furlough of the regiment 
has expired, and they are again in the field. What a change 
has taken place since they first went out ! Then, thirteen 
States were said to be under the secession banner. Eleven 
millions of people, seven millions free, and four millions slaves, 
were claimed in the rebel territory. In arms, ammunitioni^ 
opportunity for increasing all their supplies, and unanimity 
of feeling in regard to the strife, the rebels had every possible 
advantage. The prestige of their heretofore successful at- 
tempts to frighten the Free States into concessions and com- 
promises, induced them to add to their already extended 
resources, many gasconading boasts and bullyings. One South- 
ron was to be more than a match for ten Mudsills ; every 
inch of their territory was to be kept; an invading army 
could make no stay whatever on their soil; and soon, the 
people of the North would, on seeing the hopelessness of sub- 
duing them, compel the Administration to sue for peace, and 
they dictate all the terms ! 

Now, what is their condition ? But six States are within 
their military control, and one of these. North Carolina, has 
voted for peace, its presses denouncing the rebel pleaders and 
the rebel cause in unmeasured terms, and its people organ- 
izing to fight for the Union. An average of ten thousand 
slaves per month has been lost to them ; their armies are filled 
with revolters, and the "Richmond Whig," once so jubilant, 
is now thus dolorous in summing up the results : 

Nearly half of our territory in the hands of the enemy ! Whole 
■States and tiers of States, including the imperial valley of the 
Mississippi, in the hands of the enemy ! Nearly or quite half 
the men on our muster-rolls not in the field ! A large portion of 
those in the field distrustful of, and discontented with their com- 



THE VETERANS. 355 

mander ! j The Confederate flag eleven times lowered in the face 
and at the bidding of the enemy ! No navy ! A currency vrorth 
from six to seven cents on the dollar compared with gold ! Sup- 
plies of provisions for army and people exceedingly precious! 
Farmers grumbling, dissatisfied and unwilling to exert them- 
selves for the largest amount of production ! Hundreds of thou- 
sands of our agricultural laborers escaped to the enemy ! Non- 
producers alarmed at the prospect of destitution I The poor • 
pinched and stinted by the exorbitance of prices ! 

In a still more recent number of that paper, we have this : 

Patriotism is dead, corruption and fraud stalk in high places ; 
the finances are in ruins ; food is nearly exhausted ; extortion 
and speculation rule supreme ; not a particle of statesmanship is 
displayed ; Congress has gone mad ; civil liberty is' threatened 
at the hands of the friends of the Chief Magistrate ; civil ahility 
Jias perished ; military talent is rapidly leaning ; and, what is 
worse than all, the people are begrudging food and clothing to 
their sons who are fighting, and have given themselves up, the 
men to drinking and the greed of gain, and the women to paint 
and exposure of their persons. 

These are indeed bitter ashes to rake down from the once 
fierce fire of Southern bravado. But nearly all the rebel 
newspapers, and especially those published at Richmond, are 
filled with most dismal complaints, and so pervaded with a 
savagely grim and sarcastic humor, that no satire of the rebel- 
lion could be more severe than their own. The Examiner, for 
example, thus proposes a new subject for an historical painting: 

The Enquirer man tearing up the Confederate Constitution for 
waste paper. Mr. Memminger picking up the pieces to print 
50-cent Confederate notes on. Framers of the Constitution in the 
background, sitting on mourners' bench, wiping their weeping 
noses on illustrated cotton pocket handkerchiefs. Detailed editor 
of independent paper, dressed in uniform of artillery private of 
Confederate States, going out to be shot as a deserter for not 
spelling *• liberty^' Libby, preceded by a band, playing " When 
this Cruel War is Over." "Unembarrassed Government," in 



356 THE VETERANS. 

the shape of a six-horse coach, with the drag-chain broke, being 
backed by a stubborn mule down a very steep hill into the gulf 
of despotism. Mr. Benjamin looking out of the coach window, 
and singing " Pea-ce by the next mail from Europe.^' To be 
painted in oils (made out of lard at $4 per pound) and suspended 
in the Commissary Department ! 

The grotesque allegory of this picture is full of justice. 
Let not the future genius who shall attempt to paint the slave- 
holders' rebellion, even if he should dispense with '' hues of 
earthquake and eclipse/' omit an abundant laying on of 
" black and white." 

The following address, recently procured by a United States 
Scout, and concerning the genuineness of which there can be* 
no reasonable doubt, is now being extensively circulated in 
the rebel army. This is a correct copy of the original, the 
italics and capitals being unchanged. 

Fellow-Soldiers of the Army of Tennessee : Three years 
ago we were called upon to volunteer in the Confederate army 
for a term of three years ; and we all nobly responded to the call, 
with the express understanding that we were to be discharged as 
soon as our term of service expired. Indeed, we y^QTe faithfully 
assured by all our officials that such a course would be pursued. 
The Secretary of War proclaimed that those who volunteered for 
*' tliree years or during the war,'' would have to be discharged 
from the army at the end of three years. But, to our utter sur- 
prise, we are now told that we must he conscripted and forced 
to enter the army for another term of three years ! Our feelings 
are not to be consulted— we must be conscripted ! 

Was such a thing ever heard of before ? Do the annals of war 
furnish a single instance of volunteer soldiers being forced to 
continue in the service after the expiration of their term of ser- 
vice? Surely not ! If we se'arch the history of the world, from 
the days of Adam down to the present, we will find that, in every 
instance, a volunteer soldier was discharged as soon as his term 
of service expired, unless he, of his own accord, re-enlisted as a 
volunteer ; and are we, Americans, once the boast and pride of 
the world — are we to be treated worse than the heathen of the 



THE VETERANS. 357 

dark ages of the world treated their f^oldiers..? Are we to be made 
the worst slaves ever known to the world ? And are we to become 
the laughing-stock of the world ? 

Fellow-Soldiers! Is it not clear in every rational mind that 
our pompous and merciless rulers are daily stealing away our 
rights and liberties, and reducing us to the most abject slavery 
ever known to the world ? And shall we cowai^dly submit to this 
palpable infringement of our most sacred rights f We were told 
that we must come out to fight for our rights : yet our inhuman 
leaders are gradually robbing us of every right inherited by na- 
ture or transmitted to us by our predecessors 1 The Federals did 
not hesitate to discharge all their nine-months troops whose term 
of service expired last summer ; they were promptly discharged, 
and their places filled up by new levies ; and shall we suffer our- 
selves to be treated worse than our enemies are treated ? No, 
brave comrades, let's assert our rights, and unflinchingly main- 
tain them I Let's show our beastly rulers that they cannot thus 
enslave us because we are private soldiers! They have already 
cunningly led us to the very threshold of destruction ; they have 
practised one deception after another upon us ; they have told 
us lies — HORRIBLE LIES — to induce us to become their abject 

SLAVES ! 

Among the innumerable lies promulgated by these unmitigated 
scamps, we call your attention to the following : They told us 
that the war would not last three months ; that foreign nations 
would recognize us as an independent people and help us to fight ; 
that the Yankees could not fight ; that one of us could whip ten 
Yankees; that Vicksburg could never he taken; that Chatta- 
nooga could never he taken; that the Peace party of the North 
would force Lincoln to make peace with the South ; that we sol- 
diers SHOULD BE DISCHARGED AS SOON AS OUR TIME EXPIRED, and 

that we would not be heavily taxed. These are but a few of the 
many hypocritical lies proclaimed by those conspirators who have 
precipitated us into irretrievable revolution. Shall we submit to_ 
he beguiled hy these unpardonable usurpers, and permit our fami- 
lies to STARVE TO DEATH, through Want of our labor at home ! 

Are we not aware that if our absence from our families be 
protracted another term of three years, many of them will sufi'er 
wretchedly for the necessaries of life, if they do not starve en- 



858 THE VETERANS. 

tirely to death ? And arew we not bound by the most sacred 
LAWS known to man to provide for our families f And should 
we permit a set of usurping profligates to prevent us from com- 
plying with this Divine law ? By the late laws of Congress, 
our families are to be taxed to an almost unlimited extent; and 
if we submit to become conscripts, the last ray of hope will have 
to be expelled from our hearts, for we can then hope for nothing 
but an untimely state op abject slavery, not only of our- 
selves, BUT also of our FAMILIES ! 

Now IS THE TIME TO ASSERT OUR RIGHTS; for, if wewait longer, 
OUR DOOM WILL BE FOREVER SEALED ! We who writo this ad- 
dress are determined to demand our rights, and, if necessary, we 

will DEMAND THEM AT THE POINT OF THE BAYONET ! We are UOt 

enemies to the South, but we are lovers of our rights, liberties, 
and families ; and if we must lose all our sacred rights, and per- 
mit our families to starve, in order to sustain our wicked leaders 
in their deceptive course, we prefer to return to our allegiance 
TO THE old Government, accept of Lincoln's pardon, and let 
the leaders and their Confederacy go to hell together ! This 
may be harsh language for men who have fought in many a 
hard battle to use, but silent endurance ceases to be a virtue, 
and confident are we that the Government of the United States 
can treat us no ivorse than we are being treated by our heartless 
officials, in the field as well as at Richmond. 

But we are told that if we will let the authorities conscript 
us the war will soon close, favorably to our side ! Can any ra- 
tional man credit such a perfidious lie ? Does not this conscript- 
ing business plainly say to the world that we are fast playing 
out? — that our weakness is rapidly manifestiiig itself e\en to our 
own deluded minds? Fellow-soldiers, we have been too often 
deceived by these. wily liars to place the slightest confidence in 
anything they tell us ! They are but invented lies to enable 
them to tie the cord of despotism tighter around our wrists! 
-Every intelligent soldier among us knows that we are already 
whipped ; and why not acknowledge it at once ? Why not show 
our leaders that we know we are whipped as well as they do ? 
President Davis virtually acknowledges this fact ; so do 
the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Treasury ! 
What use is there for us to contend against a dead currency 



THE VETERANS. 359 

and an empty commissary in the face of the best army ever mar- 
shaled for combat ? Think of these things, fellow-soldiers, and 
decide what shall be your course. "VYe have made up our minds 

TO GO HOME AS SOON AS OUR TIME IS OUT ! 

MANY SOLDIEKS. 

Turning from what the rebels have failed to do, to consider 
what the loyal have really succeeded in accomplishing, we 
may, with gratitude and pride sum up the already secured 
results. Out of a most formidable and intricate chaos, we 
have evoked order and symmetry. An army more powerful 
than the world has ever seen before, has, on battle-fields, the 
number and magnitude of which are without parallel, by their 
deeds of heroism earned immortal renown for the Union. 
From nothing, our fleets have grown to b5 the wonder of the 
world, and give us the right to claim naval superiority over 
any power whatever. Our fiscal resources and ability have 
been manifest to be so extraordinary and splendid ; they have, 
by iho, wisest and most skilful management, so completely 
emancipated us from the control of foreign capital, that the 
spectacle confounds the world. 

Our successes in the field, which have been many and im- 
portant, have, for the most part, been gained under Generals 
who, in them and amid scenes of blood and carnage almost 
unequalled, learned the art of war. If the Administration is 
held to account, by rebel sympathizers, for all the blunders 
and disasters of the war, let all loyal men see that it also gets, 
as it most justly deserves, the credit for all our victories. 
President Lincoln has, with undaunted courage and exhaust- 
less energy, braved all unpopularity, clamor, and reproach, 
searched untiringly for able leaders in our battles, removed 
one after another as fast as events proved that the right man 
had not been found, and, as the results have shown, has most 
justly earned the confidence and love of the people. 

Day by day we come nearer to un^inMty of feeling and 
desire. The enemies of the Government are dwindling away, 



360 THE VETERANS. 

and its friends are more numerous and strong. A few, led 
by unprincipled demagogues, may still strive to block the 
wheels of the Administration, but they are certainly doomed 
to perish with the more .openly avowed traitors with whom 
they are in sympathy. The almost unanimous conviction of 
our citizens is well expressed in the following extract from a 
letter from Greneral Grant to Senator Wilson : 

I have never been an anti-slavery man, but I try to judge justly 
of what I see. I made up my mind when this war opened, that 
the North and South could only live together in peace, as one na- 
tion, by being a free nation. Slavery, which constituted the 
corner-stone of the so-called Confederacy, is knocked out, and it 
will take more men^in future to hold the black race as slaves 
than to put down the rebellion. Much as I desire peace, I am 
opposed to it until the question of slavery is for ever settled. 

In this spirit the war is now being most vigorously pushed. 
The victorious end cannot be far away. When it comes, it 
will be attended with lasting and glorious results. The col- 
ored man will be emancipated from bondage, and raised in 
the scale of humanity; the poor white at the South shall bo 
made in reality a freeman, and have a voice and a will in de- 
fence of his own interests; and the people of the North, no 
longer curbing their free thoughts, nor sacrificing conscience 
for policy, shall rejoice in knowing that the oligarchy which 
many of them served so long, is for ever dead. 



THE END. 



y ^ 1 ^ 



^-^ ■'*: 















'p 






XT. 






''^^> 


./ 




,./ 


■%. 






« 


y?^ 




-/ 


^^ 



* .0 X ^ .0 






v^^^ 



^^> 



v^" 






.>^ 



.XN>^ -'i^ 






% 

^^^' 



.i'^> 



H^^A''-'-' 



■^/^ ^ 



c?0 



->' 



/v. .a\^ 






^^^. 


' 




^ 






* 


^•^'' ■'■^ 




c*- 




'3 '•/ 




-/- 









.Oo. 






'\ 



a I A " \^ 









<. r ^'-^.<^ .... 






-p ^^ 



'?.. '^ / 



■^<^" 



■^ 



